How to Plant Carnations

Carnations, also known as pinks, are easy growers. There are perennial and annual varieties of carnations and all produce a clove, spicy-like fragrance. Carnations can grow to be 2 feet tall on strong, straight stems. Their blooms are long lasting and can stay perky in vases up to two weeks. The most common carnation colors are pink, white and red. Growing carnations requires very little site preparation and little maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Garden spade
• Rake
• Sunny location
• Water
• Plastic garden stakes
• String

Instructions

1. Choose a planting location that is in a sunny area. Carnations don't do well in areas of high shade or areas that stay damp.

2. Rake over the dirt to remove any twigs or stones.

3. Dig a hole for each plant that is in your container. Dig holes that are 3 to 4 inches deep and 10 to 15 inches apart.

4. Place the carnations in the holes and cover the roots with dirt.

5. Pack the soil down firmly around the plants with your fingers.

6. Water the plants until the area is moist. Rewater as necessary when the soil dries out--generally once or twice a week.

7. Stake each plant using plastic garden stakes and string as the stems grow tall. This will support the tall stems and keep them from falling over.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not mulch around carnations. This will make the area too moist and the carnations will not grow well.

References

• The Flower Expert
• Garden Hobbies

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish