| Can carnations be successfully grown in Southern Arkansas, and if so, How? |
| There are two distinct categories of carnations; florists' and border type. Florists' carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) can be grown in your garden. Carnations need full sun, but aren't fussy about what sort of soil they grow in. If you are starting them from seed, water to keep the soil evenly moist until the seedlings get to be 3"-4" high, but do not waterlog the soil. After they are firmly established, water when the soil is dry to about 3/4" deep. To get a giant flower, just leave the first bud that develops on each stem and pinch all of the others out as they form. This directs the plants energy into just one blossom. |
