The carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is also known as the carnation. It grows to a height of about 40 to 80 cm and flowers from June to September. It originally comes from the Mediterranean region, but today adorns many domestic gardens.

The carnation likes to have slightly damp feet around the clock

Plant the carnation

The carnation prefers a rather dry or slightly moist soil in a sunny location. He may like to be calcareous. Plant your carnations either in spring or in autumn at a distance of about 20 cm from the neighboring plant.

Water and fertilize the carnation

Water your carnation regularly so that the soil is always slightly moist and the plant does not dry out. Nevertheless, no waterlogging should occur. The carnation does not need a lot of fertilizer, but at least in spring it can tolerate a portion of good compost or other organic fertilizer. You may also give it some flowering plant fertilizer regularly during the summer months. (10.47€) Use calcareous fertilizer for this, one dose per month is sufficient.

Pests and diseases of the carnation

The carnation is quite susceptible to aphids, occasionally also to clove rust. She is also very fond of being eaten by snails. If the infestation is low, it helps to collect the annoying little animals. If the infestation is severe, you can lay out slug pellets (7.49€). Rinse off the aphids with a strong jet of water or let parasitic wasps (€22.99) eat them.

Plant parts affected by carnation rust should be cut off early, because if the infestation is severe, you have to dispose of the whole plant. However, the compost is unsuitable for this, the germs remain here and can be transferred to other plants together with the compost.

The carnation in winter

the carnation is hardy. It tolerates frost between - 15 °C and - 18 °C without special winter protection. For a longer cold spell, cover your carnations with a layer of brushwood. This also protects the plants from excessive moisture.

The essentials in brief:

  • Choose the sunniest spot possible
  • prefers calcareous soil
  • keep evenly moist
  • susceptible to aphids and clove rust
  • likes to be eaten by snails
  • hardy

tips

The fairly easy-care carnation prefers a sunny location, where it blooms profusely and for a long time.

Category:

Vegetable garden