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Cut flowers3 varieties

Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus

Fragrant, short-lived perennial commonly grown for fringed double-cut flowers. D. caryophyllus is native to the Mediterranean, where emotional attachment to this flower first took root.

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Days to maturity

130–140 days

Days to germ.

7–14 days

Spacing

8–10 in

Height

24 in

Sun

Sun, Partial Shade

How we grow it

Germination

Days to germ.
7–14 d
Soil temp
60 °F
Depth
0.25 in
Pre-treatment
Soak seeds for 4-6 hours before planting.

Culture

Days to maturity
130–140 d
Spacing
8–10 in
Height
24 in
Sun
Sun, Partial Shade
Frost
Tolerant to 30°F · to 30°F · tender

Harvest

Notes
Additional bloom flushes can be achieved in cool temp-controlled greenhouses.

Timing · Zone 5a

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sow indoorsMar 12 – Apr 9
Outdoor / directMay 21 – Jul 16
Bloom (from indoor)Jul 30 – Sep 3

Windows are anchored to an average last frost of May 21 (1 year in 10 as early as Apr 29, as late as Jun 2) and an average first frost of Sep 18 (1 year in 10 as early as Sep 6, as late as Oct 8). In a late or early year, slide them with it.

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Trials

Every Carnation sowingSeed sources, counts, ratings, and the observations kept against each one.Carnation trials
Suits
  • Pinch

Varieties

3 varieties on record