November Flower Of The Month: Carnations
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Carnations are such lovely, underrated flowers. They have very hardy petals and you can order them in a ton of different colors. Read on to learn how to care for carnations, grow them in your garden, and learn interesting facts you may not already know!
Origin
Native To: Carnations probably originate from the Mediterranean region but their exact range is unknown due to extensive cultivation for thousands of years!
In The Wild: Carnations are typically grown in greenhouses throughout the world but they can be planted in your garden as well.
Carnation Care
These blooms are very hardy and can last up to 2 weeks in a vase of fresh cold water. You can even force the bloom open by peeling back the green layer over the flower and then folding the petals open!
Growing in your garden:
You can plant carnations in Florida! They are often called, “pinks” or “dianthus”. They take anywhere between 14-21 days to grow from seed. You can start them indoors in a pot and then move them outside once they start to germinate. Blooming periods take anywhere between 4-6 weeks. They do prefer the sun so make sure you are planting them where they will receive ample sunlight. The Fall is an ideal time to plant them, avoiding that hot Summer sunlight and the cooler temperatures in the winter. Avoid over-watering the seeds, they only require light watering in their beginning stages of growth.
Symbolism and Fun Facts
Carnations can last up to 2 weeks as a cut stem.
They are known as, the “flower of the gods.”
They have been around for well over 2,000 years.
White carnations mean purity, red – love, and passion, and pink means gratitude.
They are often used in funeral work, weddings, holiday centerpieces, and more!
You can get carnations in literally any color, they are the easiest to stem dye!
Carnations are edible and have been used as a garnish on salads, cakes, and desserts.
(None of our flowers are edible due to the treatment used on them to keep them fresh for longer)
Comments
comments
