Dianthus

Plant Care Guidelines

Adaptation:  Throughout the United States. Carnations may be grown as annuals in zones 3 to 8, but may need winter protection to be grown as perennials in these areas. They do not need protection in zones 9 and 10. To determine your climate zone, see the map in Plant Climate Zone Map.

Flowering Time:  Late spring and summer.

Light:  Full sun.

Planting Time:  Spring, after all danger of frost is past.

Soil:  Well drained. pH 6.5 to 7.5.

Fertilizer:  Fertilize with a balanced plant food according to label directions.

Water:
How much: Apply enough water to wet the soil to the bottom of the root zone. For pinks and sweet william, wet the soil 4 to 6 inches deep. For carnations, wet the soil 8 to 10 inches deep.

Containers: Apply enough water to container plants so that about 10 percent of the water drains from the bottom of the container.

How often: Water when the soil is just barely moist.