Planting and Growing A Bloom That Lasts

Carnations, with their beautiful frilled blooms and rich history in the language of flowers, are a wonderful addition to any home garden. Symbolising love, admiration, and affection, they are not only meaningful but also surprisingly easy to grow with a little care.

Choosing the Right Spot: Carnations thrive best in full sun. Choose a location in your garden that gets at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer well-drained soil as too much moisture around the roots can lead to rot, so raised beds or sandy soils work particularly well.

Planting Tips: Seed should be planted in cooler temperatures so now is perfect! If transplanting seedlings, space them about 20–30cm apart to give each plant room to flourish. Gently firm the soil around the roots and water lightly.

Caring for Carnations: Water carnations moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy blooms. Removing spent flowers will keep the plants looking tidy and encourage more flowering throughout the season.

A Lasting Bloom: Carnations are prized not only for their beauty in the garden but also for their long vase life when cut. Their sturdy stems and vibrant colours make them a favourite for bouquets, particularly around Mother’s Day when pink carnations — symbols of a mother's love — are in full demand. With a little sunlight and care, carnations will reward you with colour, fragrance, and classic charm season after season, you could even press them to keep them forever.