Chabaud Mix Clove Carnation Seeds

Start Dianthus Caryophyllus seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last spring frost, or sow them outdoors once soil temperatures hold above 60°F both day and night. Cover Chabaud Carnation seeds with about 1/8 inch of fine soil because partial darkness improves germination. Hold the medium at 65–70°F and keep it lightly moist and not wet, since soggy compost will kill the seedlings. Transplant the plants outdoors when they reach 4–6 inches tall and space them 8–12 inches apart.

Chabaud Carnation seeds produce plants that need full sun (at least 6 hours daily) to flower properly and put up stems strong enough for cutting. They will grow in just about any soil, but you'll get the real performance in light, well-drained ground with a slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Water at the base of the plant once or twice a week. Once established, Chabaud Clove Carnation roots tolerate occasional dry spells far better than they tolerate constant moisture. 

Pinch out the central growing tip when plants are about 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season, and skip high-nitrogen blends, since they encourage foliage growth, not the blooming. Deadhead regularly to push the plants into a second flush, and in zones 7 and warmer, lay a light mulch over the crowns before winter to buffer the temperature swings. Cut the flowers in the morning when buds are about three-quarters open, recut the stems underwater right after, and they'll hold in the vase for a week or more.