Carnations can be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outdoors after frost, or sown directly in the garden in summer, or planted as houseplants.
Sowing seed indoors:
Sow carnation seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost to flower the same year.
Sow 1/8 inch deep in seed starting formula.
Keep the soil moist at 60-70 degrees F.
Seedlings appear in 14-21 days.
As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches under fluorescent plant lights on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Light bulbs do not work for this process as they get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave the lights on for 24 hours.
Plants do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old with a starter solution (half the strength of a complete pot plant food) according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Before planting in the garden, seedlings must be “hardened off”. Acclimate young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered spot outdoors for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then bring them out again in the morning. This hardening process reinforces the plant’s cellular structure and reduces transplant shock and scald.
Transplantation in the garden:
Transplant seedlings to the garden after all risk of frost. Choose a location in full sun with loose, well-drained soil.
Prepare the bed by turning the soil underneath to a depth of 6-12 inches, removing any debris, and lightly raking as evenly as possible.
The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in newly built neighborhoods.
Plant on a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.
Dig a hole for each plant, about 12 inches apart, large enough to accommodate the root ball.
Repot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.
Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press the soil down firmly with your hand.
Water thoroughly and apply a light layer of compost on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.
Sow directly in the garden:
Directly sow in midsummer to flower the following year. Choose a location in full sun with loose, well-drained soil.
Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then even and even.
So thin ΒΌ inch deep.
Keep moist.
Seedlings will emerge within 14-21 days depending on soil and weather conditions.
