You don't have to cut back your carnation regularly, but a small cut at the right time can be very useful. Last but not least, it promotes the flowering of the carnation and contributes to maintaining the he alth of the plant.
When and how should carnations be cut?
Carnations should be cut back after flowering to encourage new growth. In spring, frost-damaged, bare or diseased plant parts can be removed. Carnations are ideal for the vase; the side buds should be cut off.
However, a sunny location and suitable soil are also required for he althy growth. This should be nutrient-rich and loose and relatively rich in lime. If necessary, you can improve the soil with a lime-based fertilizer (€7.00 on Amazon). This also helps if your carnation doesn't bloom as profusely as hoped.
When should carnations be cut?
After flowering, you should cut off the withered parts of the plant. This not only looks nicer, it also encourages new growth of your carnation. Take a closer look at your plants in spring. If you discover frozen or dried shoots, then remove them. The same applies to diseased plant parts.
If the easy-care carnation is not pruned over a longer period of time, it sometimes becomes bald. In this case, cut the plant back by about a third of its size. This will encourage new shoots.
Can carnations be cut for the vase?
The perennial carnation with its decorative flowers is very suitable for the vase. It is even one of the best-selling cut flowers internationally. So that all the power can go into the main flower, cut off any side buds that may be present. The carnation will last longer in the vase if you replace the water with fresh water every other day.
The most important things in brief:
- no regular trimming required
- many varieties very suitable as cut flowers
- cut back stems and flowers after flowering
- for beautiful cut flowers it is best to remove the side buds
- check for frost damage in spring and cut off damaged plant parts
- Cut back about a third of bare carnations to encourage new growth
Tip
Plant two-colored carnations as cut flowers in your bed. They are very decorative not only in the garden but also in the vase.