Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus · Flower

A classic cut flower with a clove-like scent and frilled petals. It likes cool, bright conditions and hates wet feet. Garden types bloom from late spring into summer, and regular cutting keeps new buds coming.

Carnation — Photo: 草花写真館, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

💧WaterWeekly, when the top 1 in is dry (estimated)

☀️LightFull sun, 6+ hours

🐾PetsMildly harmful

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun, at least 6 hours
Water: About 1 in per week; let the top inch dry
Soil: Gritty, well-drained, slightly alkaline, pH 6.7–7.5
Temperature: Best 60–75 °F; struggles in humid heat over 85 °F
Spacing: 10–12 in apart
Container: At least 1 gallon, 8 in deep, with drainage
Bloom: Blooms late spring to summer; 4–5 months from seed (estimated)
Lifespan: Short-lived perennial, often grown 2–3 years

When?

Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or buy young plants in spring. Plant out once frost risk has passed; in mild areas autumn planting also works (estimated).

Step by step

Sow seeds barely covered, about 1/8 in deep, at 60–70 °F; they sprout in 1–3 weeks.
Pinch the growing tip when plants have 6–8 leaf pairs to encourage branching.
Plant with the crown level with the soil; buried crowns tend to rot.
Choose a spot with good air movement and avoid heavy clay.
Give tall types a light stake or ring support before they flop.
Feed lightly once a month with a balanced fertilizer during bloom.
Cut spent flowers just above a leaf pair to keep blooms coming.

Common problems

Stems rotting at the baseToo wet or planted too deep; improve drainage and lift the crown.

Rusty spots under leavesA fungal rust; remove affected leaves and water at soil level.

Few flowers, leggy growthToo little sun or too much nitrogen; move to brighter spot, feed less.

Split flower budsCommon with temperature swings; it does not harm the plant.

Pets

Listed as mildly harmful to cats and dogs; it can cause stomach upset and skin irritation. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Similar plants

Rose Geranium Chrysanthemum

Sources

ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.