Lexi Webster
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are a popular choice for gardeners and florists alike, thanks to their fragrant, fringed blooms and ability to thrive in Australia's temperate climate. With a history dating back over 2000 years, these flowers have become a symbol of love and are now the second most popular commercially grown flower globally. In this guide, we will explore how to grow carnations in Australia, covering everything from soil preparation and planting to care and maintenance. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing carnations can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Narrow, grass-like, grey to blue-green leaves forming low tufts of foliage |
| Climate | Temperate climates, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters |
| Soil | Well-drained garden soils with regular addition of lime, moist, humus-rich, slightly alkaline |
| Position | Full sun, or partial shade in very warm areas |
| Flowering | Copious colourful double flowers with a sweet yet spicy clove scent, either held singularly or in sprays on wiry upright stems |
| Fruiting | N/A |
| Containers | Minimum 10 litres, with a premium standard potting mix |
| Spacing | 30-50cm apart |
| Watering | Keep moist but not wet, water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon |
| Fertiliser | High-potassium fertiliser, or one formulated for flowering plants |
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What You'll Learn
- Carnation seeds: Use trays or containers, keep moist, transplant when 5-10cm tall
- Soil preparation: Well-drained, humus-rich, slightly alkaline, add compost or manure
- Watering: Water when soil is dry 5cm below surface, avoid wetting leaves
- Fertilising: Apply slow-release fertiliser when transplanting or when 5-10cm tall
- Pests and diseases: Watch out for snails, slugs, aphids, and thrip
Carnation seeds: Use trays or containers, keep moist, transplant when 5-10cm tall
Carnation seeds are best grown in trays or containers. Start by filling your tray or container with a good-quality seed-raising mix or soil starter pellets. Then, sow your seeds about 6mm deep and cover them. Gently water the seeds, being careful not to overwater, as carnations don't like to have "wet feet". Keep the soil moist throughout the germination period, which should take around 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 18-22°C.
Once your seedlings have their first true leaves and are about 5-10cm tall, it's time to transplant them into your garden or larger containers. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun and prepare the planting area by digging in some soil improver and plant fertiliser. If you're transplanting into containers, ensure they are large enough for mature plants—a minimum of 10 litres is recommended. Use a premium standard potting mix when planting in pots or containers.
Space your seedlings about 30-50cm apart and water them well. You can mulch around the plants with organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane, or pea straw. Continue to keep the soil moist during the main growth periods, but be careful not to overwater. Test the soil by scratching away a small amount with your finger; if the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface, it's time to water your carnations. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
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Soil preparation: Well-drained, humus-rich, slightly alkaline, add compost or manure
Carnations are a wonderful addition to any garden, with their fragrant fringed blooms and rich history. They are easy to grow in Australia, as long as you follow some key steps for soil preparation.
Firstly, carnations prefer a well-drained soil, so it's important to ensure your soil is not too wet or waterlogged. They thrive in soil that is moist, humus-rich, and slightly alkaline, with a pH just above 7.0. To achieve this, you can add compost or manure to the soil, along with a handful of blood and bone or a complete fertiliser. Aged animal manure or compost is ideal for improving drainage and adding nutrients to the soil.
When preparing the soil, it's important to weed the area thoroughly and dig over the soil to loosen it. You can then add your chosen compost or manure, mixing it through the top 6-8 inches of soil. If you're using a fertiliser, follow the recommended application rates, and consider using a slow-release fertiliser for a steady nutrient supply.
In addition to well-drained and nutrient-rich soil, carnations also benefit from being planted in a sunny spot. They prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates. Choose a permanent position for your carnations, as they do not like to be disturbed by regular digging.
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Watering: Water when soil is dry 5cm below surface, avoid wetting leaves
Watering is an important aspect of carnation care. When watering carnations, it is essential to allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out before watering again. Use your finger to scratch away a little soil to test if the soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface. Water your carnations deeply in the early morning or late afternoon when the soil is dry at this depth.
Carnations prefer moist soil and should be kept well-watered during the growing season and main growth periods. However, it is crucial not to overwater them as they do not like "wet feet" and can easily rot. Watering about twice a week during late spring and summer is generally sufficient.
When watering, avoid wetting the leaves of carnation plants as this can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, water the soil directly and ensure that your carnations are planted in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
If you are growing your carnations in containers, ensure that the containers are large enough for mature plants and provide adequate drainage. A minimum volume of 10 litres is recommended for carnations. Choose a good quality potting mix and consider using a premium standard potting mix when planting in pots or containers to promote healthy growth.
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Fertilising: Apply slow-release fertiliser when transplanting or when 5-10cm tall
Carnations are a delightful addition to any garden, and they're not too difficult to grow. If you're growing carnations from seed, you'll need to pay close attention to them until they've germinated. It's important not to overwater them as they don't like to have wet feet. When it comes to fertiliser, here's what you need to know:
First, choose a fertiliser that's suitable for carnations. You can use a slow-release fertiliser, such as Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser, or a high-potassium fertiliser specifically formulated for flowering plants. If you're using a liquid fertiliser, apply it at the recommended rate and frequency while your carnations are fruiting or flowering.
The timing of fertiliser application is crucial. If your carnations are growing in poor soil or you want to give them an extra boost, apply a slow-release fertiliser when they are about 5-10cm tall or when you are transplanting them to the garden. For in-ground carnations, use a fertiliser like Scotts Osmocote Plus Organics All-Purpose (including Natives) Plant Food & Soil Improver. For potted carnations, Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser: Potted Plants is a good option.
Remember to always follow the recommended rate and frequency of application for any fertiliser you use. With the right care and nutrients, your carnations will thrive and reward you with their beautiful blooms.
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Pests and diseases: Watch out for snails, slugs, aphids, and thrip
Carnations are a wonderful addition to any garden, but they can be targeted by pests and diseases. Snails, slugs, aphids, and thrips are common issues for gardeners in Australia. Here are some tips to watch out for and deal with these pests:
Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs are troublesome pests that can cause significant damage to gardens. They thrive in cool, moist weather and are nocturnal, so they often go unseen when feeding. They are slow-moving and vulnerable, so they hide during the day in damp places, such as under flower pots, dense ground cover, and garden debris. They can climb and will target the young leaves of citrus trees. They leave distinctive shiny silver trails, and their damage can be distinguished from caterpillar damage as they cut holes in the middle of leaves with their rasping tongues. To reduce their numbers, handpick them on wet nights from their hiding spots, and eliminate potential hiding places near your garden, such as tall grass and weeds. Create a less favourable environment by reducing humidity with drip irrigation instead of sprinklers.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sweet sap of plants. They insert a needle-like tube into the plant to draw out the juice, which is then excreted as honeydew, forming a base for a black fungus called sooty mould to grow. This reduces photosynthesis and discolours fruit. They are often transported by ants, which use honeydew as a food source. To control aphids, encourage beneficial organisms such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps, which prey on them. You can also use a jet of water to remove them from plants, or squish them with your fingers. Organic garlic and chilli sprays are effective, as well as horticultural soap and oil, though the latter should not be used in hot weather.
Thrips
Thrips are pests that attack a wide range of crops, including vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. They pierce plant cells and feed on the contents, causing direct damage. They produce characteristic 'silvering' on leaves, and their dark droppings are visible around feeding sites. When feeding on fruit, they remove the pigment, stripping it of colour. They also target growing tips, buds, and flowers, causing distortion and discolouration. Some species transmit plant diseases. To control thrips, use predatory mites like Montdorensis and Cucumeris, which feed on the juvenile stages of thrips. Hypoaspis are soil-dwelling predatory mites that are also effective. Pheromone lures and sticky traps, such as Optiroll Super Blue and Yellow sticky rolls, can be used to maximise the capture of thrips.
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Frequently asked questions
Carnations prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and a temperate climate with warm summers and mild wet winters. They can be grown in small to medium-sized pots or planters, or directly in the ground.
Prepare the soil by mixing in organic matter such as compost or manure, and a fertiliser or plant food. The soil should be moist but not wet.
Sow seeds 6mm deep in trays or small pots filled with a seed-raising mix. Keep the soil moist and ensure the temperature is between 18-22°C. Once the seedlings have grown their first leaves and are around 5-10cm tall, transplant them into the garden or larger pots, spacing them 30-50cm apart.
Water carnations when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface, in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Fertilise annually in early spring, and deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms.
