Trailing Carnations (LIVE STARTER PLANT) PERENNIAL

Trailing Carnations are a unique type of flower with a cascading shape. They hang gracefully from the stem and are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes and flower pots. The vibrant flowers can bloom for up to 8 weeks and make for a perfect statement piece in your garden. This winter-hardy Carnation is a great plant for landscape and container use. Its abundant fragrant flowers are a delight for all growers.
Carnations make great hanging baskets due to their unique habit

Travelling in the Alpine regions of Europe one is struck by the magnificent and visual impact of their window boxes, hanging baskets, pots, tubs etc. And then we realised that they make liberal use of pendulous carnations adding an extra slant in perspective and design. The colour range is mainly pink and red shades.

Culinary note: Use the clove like tasting petals for adding to cakes, either for flavor or decorating, suitable for soups, salads and sauces too.

The best time to plant carnations is during transition seasons like spring or autumn when it’s not too hot and not too cold. If the mood strikes in winter, you can also start sprouting your carnation seeds inside the house and then transfer them out into the garden when the temperature rises again.

It’s important that your carnation seeds get at least four hours of sunlight per day, so make sure that when you’re choosing where to plant them that there is adequate sunlight. Drainage is also key, so pick a bed that’s deep enough to accommodate the carnation’s strong root system.

Once you’ve chosen a good, sunny patch of soil, plant your carnation seeds about 30cm apart, right under the surface of the topsoil. To make sure the flowers are bright and healthy, use a bit of compost so that the soil is extra fertile.