From my perspective as a carnation seed, my first need is a comfortable and nurturing home to awaken in. I do not require a massive pot; a shallow seed tray or small cell packs with excellent drainage holes are perfect. Stagnant water is my greatest enemy at this stage, as it will cause my delicate, nascent roots to rot before my journey even begins. The medium you provide is crucial. I crave a specialized, lightweight, soilless seed-starting mix. This mix is sterile, free from the fungi and pathogens that could attack me, and its fine, airy texture allows my tiny taproot to push through effortlessly without resistance. Heavy garden soil is a death sentence for me; it compacts around me, suffocates me, and harbors diseases.
I am a photoblastic seed, meaning I require light to germinate. Do not bury me deep in a dark tomb of soil! The correct method is to gently press me onto the moistened surface of the seed-starting mix. At most, I can be dusted with a fine, barely-there layer of vermiculite, which helps retain moisture around me without blocking the precious light. Once I am settled on the surface, gently mist the tray with a fine spray to settle me in without disturbing my position. Then, you must cover my new home with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap. This creates a miniature, humid greenhouse, trapping moisture so I don't dry out. This humidity is my comfort blanket, mimicking the consistent moisture of a gentle spring rain.
With moisture and light secured, I now need consistent warmth to spark my internal engine. A spot that maintains a steady 60-70°F (15-21°C) is ideal. A sunny windowsill might work, but it can get cold at night. A heat mat designed for seed starting placed under my tray provides the perfect, consistent bottom warmth that encourages swift and strong root development. In about 14 to 21 days, you will see my first seed leaves (cotyledons) emerge. Once I and my siblings have our first set of true leaves—the leaves that actually look like carnation leaves—it is time to thin us out. We are too crowded to grow into strong plants. Carefully snip the weaker seedlings at the soil line to give the strongest ones about 3-4 inches of space. This allows me unimpeded access to light, air, and nutrients.
After I have developed several strong sets of true leaves and the outdoor frost date has passed, I must be prepared for the harsher realities of the garden. The process of hardening off is non-negotiable. My world has been a sheltered, calm, and humid one. If you move me directly outdoors, the strong sun will scorch my leaves, and the wind will break my stems. For 7-10 days, please take my tray outside to a sheltered, partially shaded spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time and exposure to direct sunlight. This process slowly thickens my cuticle and strengthens my stem, allowing me to adapt to the full sun and breeze I will enjoy in my permanent garden home.
