Carnations, also called Dianthus, vivid and colorful, are often used as garden border. They thrive in hardiness zones 6 to 9 where there is full sun environment and low-acid soil. Although carnations are perennial in theory, their blooms often fade after several years. Then they need to be replaced.
Stem cutting is an easy way to grow new carnations. Also, carnations have many colors and styles. Stem cutting will guarantee gardener have the exact replica of what he wants.
Later summer is a good time to grow new carnation from cutting. I just did it a couple of weeks ago.
(1) Choose a healthy and thriving carnation stem on which flower has withered. Remove the flower or bud. Cut it above a bump which leaves about 6” long. Make a smooth clean cut at a 45 degree angle (diagonal cut).
(2) Cut off leaves on the lower half of the stem. Leave 4-6 leaves on it.
(3) Plant them in a pot with sandy soil. Push the stem tip approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the way into the soil, covering some of the spots where the leaves were pinched off, but not letting any leave touch the soil. Leave big space between stems. Add fertilizer if you want.
(4) Use spray bottle to moisten the sand thoroughly. Later, water it twice a week.
(5) Place the carnation cutting in a shadowy but warm place without direct sunlight. If weather is not nice, put it in a greenhouse. To be simple, a big bottle upside-down over the pot can create a good environment.
(6) It takes about 1 month for the cut stems grow enough roots. Then you can transplant it into the garden when weather is still nice.
