Every month holds something dear, and blossoms something new! And this beautiful new year brings to us the joy of the winter flower, Carnation! Or as science likes to call it - Dianthus caryophyllus! This flower blooms in a variety of colors and shades, primarily pink, white, red, and yellows though [Fun tip!] they also take well to food dyes in water for even more variety! They are a great beginner flower because they blossom quick and bold! From seed you can expect to germinate in the fall, transplant in spring and have flowers for early March to May, in time for Mother's Day! Though many a gardener have seen blossoms sooner than later so long as you've done your best to keep them happy. Which is rather simple.
Press the seeds a finger nail deep into well draining, fertile soil - something like potting mix or flower soil that's slightly alkalized. Keep them in a warm space, they prefer nothing colder than 50*F with preference up to 70*F. Water lightly, two to three times a week to keep the soil damp, not soaked. You can plant the seedlings close together in a tray, a few inches apart, but be prepared to separate them once they have grown a couple inches because they love a bit of space, about a foot apart in their forever pot or garden bed. This is usually about ten days for germination. Then move them into a sunny space, they love to soak up that rich vitamin D - they crave it! Full Sun! Some say that's why they stretch their petals out, they want to be little suns themselves!
Watering continues just to keep the soil damp all through their lives, Pro Tip - if they seem yellowed on the edges you've overwatered them and need to let the soil dry a bit. Don't be afraid to remove dried up petals or leaves, this will help the plant more than hurt it - it promotes growth! If they do seem down, like they may need some added nutrition, only use peat, its their favorite pick me up soil. Just a handful mixed into their potting soil is fine enough. Taller plants may need support as they grow so they don't struggle with drooping. Just like tomato plants, bind them to a stick with a bread tie.
Carnations are a wonderful addition to any garden, beginner or advanced and will always make a table look beautiful in any vase! Nows still a great time to pick up seeds and soil and get started, share with us below your journey or experiences you've had growing these beautiful January flowers! As always, we're here for the flowers!
