Chinese Carnation Care: How to Plant, Water, and Position It for Optimal Growth

Also known as clavelinas (Dianthus chinensis), its flowers are small bursts of color that range through all shades of pink, violet, salmon, and red. You can even find them in white and mixed colors.

The Chinese carnation is a herbaceous plant that has green leaves all year round. It thrives in temperate regions and, although it is originally from China, it has adapted well to various countries worldwide. This ornamental plant blooms, whether solitary or in small clusters, during spring and summer.

Explore this link to learn about the different Types of Carnations available today.

This plant requires direct sunlight to thrive. It will not do well as an indoor plant. Even with plenty of artificial light, it won’t bloom as profusely as it would in a garden. It should be planted in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sun, as this appears to be its primary requirement for abundant flowering.

Preferably, it thrives in a temperate climate but can tolerate light frosts. It also survives in moderate heat, though it performs best at temperatures of less than 38 ºC.

Placement must be outdoors and ideally planted directly in the ground. If placed in a pot, it may grow as a healthy green-leafed plant, but it might not bloom fully or at all.

The soil for the Chinese carnation must be very porous and light. It should allow for good aeration and must not remain waterlogged. A leeward pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 is preferred. You can create a mix of equal parts peat and worm castings, with a handful of perlite for optimal results.

The fertilizer we can provide is a universal liquid fertilizer, which works best when administered during spring and summer only. This should be diluted in the watering water and applied during regular watering sessions. Annual nutrient assessments are also recommended to maintain the health and yield of the plants.

Do not let the Chinese carnation wait too long for water, or it will decline. Water it every 3 days with small but consistent amounts, improving the soil regularly with fresh earth to aerate it and prevent compaction. During the rainy season, retain some rainwater to use for watering in the coming days, as this type of water is beneficial due to its nutrients.

This plant does not require formal or annual pruning, as it tends to grow compactly. We should, however, be mindful to prune dead flowers after the flowering season and can trim the stems slightly to ensure a neater appearance for the next bloom cycle.

By lightly pruning stems after flowering, we promote new growth, which is ideal in a spacious garden. However, if your space is limited, it is advisable to avoid too much pruning. Cutting off dead flowers is essential, as they can attract various diseases that may affect the entire plant.

Reproduction can easily be achieved either through seeds or cuttings.

Reproducing the Chinese Carnation from Seeds

For the seed method, use small pots where you will place the seeds mixed with a bit of rooting hormone, on a bed of worm castings. Water gently with a spray, ensuring the soil does not dry out. With this method, you should see new seedlings in as little as three days.

Reproducing the Chinese Carnation from Cuttings

For cuttings, prepare the pots and new soil similarly. From the mother plant, take a stem just below a node, approximately 6 centimeters long, and plant it with a node buried in the soil. Here’s how to root cuttings effectively.

It is important to know that even though you care for this plant as a perennial, it is originally herbaceous, so despite all care, the following year it may be a weaker plant and produce fewer flowers than before.

• The Chinese carnation may suffer from diseases such as root rot due to excessive watering that can cause damage.
• It also faces fungal diseases like botrytis and phytophthora, which can be prevented by managing watering practices and avoiding over-saturation.
• It is not highly susceptible to pest infestations, but occasionally you might encounter some aphids and mealybugs, so regular monitoring is advised. If seen, remove them manually and then apply a natural garden insecticide, such as those made from lavender, garlic, onion, cilantro, or basil that work excellently to deter both aphids and mealybugs. For mealybugs, dusting the soil with diatomaceous earth can be effective.