Carnation Seeds - Orange Sherbet Dianthus caryophyllus

How to Plant & Grow Carnations from Seeds

Incredibly popular, no flower garden is complete without carnations! Carnations will grow as perennials in frost free zones and as annuals where winters are cold. They make excellent cut flowers. Carnations need 4 to 5 hours of sunlight a day. They prefer fertile, well- drained, slightly alkaline (pH 6.75) soil.

Carnation seeds may be started indoors in the springtime 6 weeks to 2 months before the last frost. Seeds should be covered thinly with soil and kept moist. Plant 2 to 3 seeds per pot or cell. Germination will occur within 2 weeks if temperatures are between 65-70F. After germination, move seedlings to a sunny, cool place. They may be transplanted to your garden a week or two prior to the final frost.

If you chose to sow them directly outdoors, be sure that the last frost has occurred. If your winters are mild, carnations seeds may be sown outside from spring until early fall.

Carnations do not need a lot of water- except in hot months. Soaker hoses are best. Do not over water as this can cause yellow foliage.