Are carnations difficult to grow?

Carnations, also known as dianthus flowers, are incredibly beautiful, decorative flowers found in many styles of garden around the world. You may have been asking yourself, “Are carnations difficult to grow?” Fortunately, carnations are very easy to grow from seed or cutting and, within a few months, you could have your own spectacular selection of flowers.

With a wide range of shades of pink, red, purple and white, you are spoiled for choice in terms of what flowers you can grow and what combinations you can create. Before you grow your first carnations, however, there are some important facts that you need to familiarize yourself with.

Growing carnation flowers from seed or cutting

If you are thinking of growing carnations from seed or cutting, it is a good idea to plant your carnation seeds or cuttings either indoors or in a greenhouse in a reasonably warm room temperature. A plant is at its most vulnerable when it is either germinating or when it is developing new roots.

It is therefore important to protect the plant from poor weather conditions and cold temperatures, especially if you are planting your carnations very early in preparation for spring. To grow carnations, the process is as easy as taking small plant pots, or even recycled containers, and adding compost and potting soil.

It is important to ensure that there are holes at the base of each container so that water does not build up within the soil and drown the plant. If the carnations are being grown from seed, then the seeds can be placed in the containers and lightly covered with soil.

Although you can directly plant carnation cuttings in the containers, it is recommended that you first dip the cuttings in rooting powder or gel to increase the likelihood that the cuttings will root properly. Next, you need to lightly spray the carnation seeds or cuttings with water. It will take a few days before the first signs of success will hopefully begin to appear.

Caring for carnations as they grow and bloom

Once the first true leaves have appeared and are clearly stable, you know that the carnation plant will likely continue to grow and develop healthy flowers. During this time, it is important to keep watering the plant and move it to a well-lit environment that is sufficiently warm.

As the plant grows, you need to prune it so that the energy generated during photosynthesis is not wasted on dying flowers. This is to ensure that this energy is instead redirected to healthier parts of the plant.

Assuming the carnation plant that you have grown is not an annual, you can look forward to seeing the plant return during the following year with more wonderful flowers. If you wish to grow a carnation plant that you can keep in your garden for several years, make sure to choose a perennial carnation.

If you are looking for a plant that does not require a significant amount of maintenance and will develop amazing, decorative flowers fairly quickly, then carnations are a great choice for both the beginner and the advanced gardener.