Growing Florist-Size Carnations from Seed

Dianthus caryophyllus: The True Carnation

Large, fragrant, long-stemmed carnations are grown from seed, not typically sold as plants.

Seed Starting

1. Start now indoors for blooms this year.
2. Surface-sow on moist mix; light aids germination.
3. Transplant after frost; stake early.
4. Disbud (remove side buds) for single large blooms.

Sources

Ferry-Morse seeds at retailers: ferry-morse.com (use Dealer Search).

Hardiness Reality

Not reliably perennial below Zone 7. Treat as annual/biennial in colder zones. Heavy feeders—fertilize regularly.

Note: Plants are rarely sold because they're "excruciatingly unreasonable" to maintain perfectly.