Carnation Planting Guide

When to Plant Carnation Seeds

Ready to get your garden blooming? Start those Carnation seeds indoors in the spring, about 6 weeks to 2 months before the last frost. If you’re the outdoorsy type, hold off until after the frost to sow them outside. In milder winters, you can keep the party going by planting outside from spring to early fall. Just remember: in frost-free zones, they’ll be perennial rock stars, while colder climates will see them as annuals.

Where to Plant Carnation Seeds

Carnations are pretty chill when it comes to water—just don’t drown them! They prefer a good soak during hot months, but too much water can lead to sad, yellow leaves. Aim for a spot with 4 to 5 hours of sunlight daily, and treat them to fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (that’s fancy talk for pH 6.75).

How to Plant Carnation Seeds

If you’re starting indoors, give those seeds a thin blanket of soil and keep them cozy and moist. Plant 2 to 3 seeds per pot or cell—just think of them as a little flower party! Germination usually happens within 2 weeks if you keep things warm (65-70°F). Once they pop up, move those seedlings to a sunny, cool spot, and they’ll be ready for their outdoor debut about a week or two before the final frost.

How to Care for Carnation

Carnations don’t ask for much—just a little water here and there, especially when the sun is blazing. Soaker hoses are like their best friends, ensuring they stay hydrated without overdoing it (because nobody likes yellow foliage). Keep things simple, and your Carnations will thank you with a dazzling display of color!

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