The very easy-care carnation is often considered a bit old-fashioned. However, it is very decorative and blooms for many weeks. The two-color variants, such as the red-white variety “Mondrian”, are particularly impressive
How do you plant carnations correctly?
To plant carnations successfully, choose a sunny, wind-protected location with nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil. Depending on the variety, plant them in beds, rock gardens, balcony boxes or hanging baskets. Planting is ideally done in spring or autumn with a planting distance of 15 to 30 cm.
The hanging varieties are also very interesting. They are ideal for planting in a balcony box or hanging basket. The carnation also feels very comfortable in rockeries or cottage gardens.
The right location for the carnation
The main thing is that the carnation has a place in the sun. It can also be protected from the wind. With good care and in the right place it is perennial. It often doesn't survive the winter, even though it is hardy. This is less due to the frost than to too much moisture.
The best soil for your carnations
Calcareous, permeable and humus - that's how the carnation likes the soil best. If the soil is too firm, loosen it up with a little gravel (€15.00 on Amazon) or sand or plant the carnation in a rock garden. If the soil is very poor, add some well-rotted manure or mature compost to the planting hole.
Preparing the planting
In spring or autumn you can plant the carnation without worrying, it grows quite easily. The carnation is sometimes sold in stores as an annual summer flower because it is relatively inexpensive. You can also grow your own plants from seeds and then plant them in the garden from May onwards. It is best to plant hanging varieties in a hanging basket or a balcony box.
The most important planting tips for carnations:
- Location: best sunny and sheltered from the wind
- Soil: nutrient-rich and humus
- Mostly hardy to approx. – 15 °C
- great variety in flower color and shape, as well as growth habit
- depending on the variety, it is better suited for bed or balcony planting
- Flowering time: around May to October
- can be planted in spring or autumn
- ideal planting distance: depending on the variety approx. 15 to 30 cm
Tip
The upright-growing carnation is ideal for planting in a rock or cottage garden, while hanging varieties are well suited for balcony boxes and hanging baskets.
