Carnation care guide
Dianthus caryophyllus
Also known as: Clove pink, Dutch pink
Pets and children
Caution advised
Dogs or cats that eat it may get mild vomiting or diarrhea and mild mouth or skin irritation; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Carnation
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- Once the topsoil dries, water the base thoroughly without wetting the flowers, as a guide; keep it drier in the rainy season and midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 4 days
- In fall it grows again and may rebloom; generally wait a day or two after the soil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Growth is slow in winter, so water in the morning a few days after the soil dries, as a guide.
Light and placement for Carnation
A sunny, airy spot is the guide; it dislikes heat and humidity, so keep it under the eaves out of rain during the rainy season and in a cool, afternoon-shaded place in midsummer.
Overwintering Carnation
Overwintering guide: 0°C (32°F) or above
Fairly cold-tolerant and generally overwinters outdoors out of frost, such as under the eaves; on hard freezes, moving it to a window indoors is usually enough.
Fertilizing and repotting Carnation
Fertilizer
Liquid feed about every one to two weeks in the spring and fall growing seasons; none from the rainy season through midsummer or in midwinter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Carnation
- A Mother's Day pot left wrapped indoors gets stuffy and dies.
- Rain and humidity in the rainy season rot the stems and the plant dies back.
- Overwatering rots the roots and the leaf tips die.
Tips for growing Carnation
- Unwrap a gift pot and keep it outdoors in the sun.
- Cutting back by about half after flowering can bring a fall rebloom.
- Thinning crowded stems for airflow helps it through summer.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
