Carnations, known scientifically as Dianthus caryophyllus, are garden plants prized for their fragrant, ruffled blooms and long vase life. These classic flowers offer an array of colors and a distinct clove-like scent, making them a popular choice for borders, containers, and cutting gardens. Finding the right plants from a reliable source is the first step toward enjoying these beautiful perennials in your landscape.
Identifying Your Purchase Needs
Before beginning your search, you must decide on the format of the plant you wish to acquire, as this affects both cost and the time until flowering. The three main options are seeds, plugs or starts, and established potted plants. Seeds are the least expensive option but require the most time and effort for germination and early growth, meaning you may not see blooms until the following year if started too late in the season.
Plugs or young starts are small seedlings with an established root system, offering a middle ground that cuts down on initial growing time and risk. Established potted plants, while the most costly, provide the most immediate garden impact and the highest success rate. You should also consider the variety, as carnations are available as annuals, which provide season-long color, or as perennial types, which return for several years.
Primary Retail Sources
The best place to buy carnation plants depends on the quantity needed and your desire for specialized varieties or expert guidance. Local nurseries and independent garden centers are reliable sources for high-quality, regionally adapted carnations. These retailers often stock cultivars best suited to the local climate and provide knowledgeable staff who can offer advice on planting and care.
Big box stores and home improvement chains offer convenience and competitive prices, stocking carnations, particularly in the spring planting season. While easily accessible, quality control can be variable, and selection is usually limited to common, mass-market varieties. For rare colors or specific heirloom cultivars, online specialty growers and mail-order companies are the best choice. These vendors ship young plants or plugs directly to your door, but factor in shipping costs and potential stress on the plants during transit. Seasonal pop-up sales, such as farmers’ markets or local garden club swaps, can also be a good place to find unique, locally grown carnation starts.
Buying Considerations and Timing
Timing your purchase to align with planting conditions is important for the successful establishment of your carnations. The best time to purchase and transplant young carnation plants is in the early spring, immediately following the last anticipated frost date. This allows the plants to establish their root systems in cool soil before the onset of summer heat.
When selecting plants, inspect the stock for indicators of health, whether buying in person or receiving a mail order. Look for strong, upright stems and foliage that is a vibrant green or the characteristic blue-green color of Dianthus species. Avoid any plants with yellowing leaves or signs of pests like aphids or spider mites. If purchasing potted plants, check the drainage holes; if dense roots are spiraling tightly, the plant is root-bound and requires attention during planting to break up the root ball. For mail-order deliveries, unpack the plants immediately and check them for damage, as reputable online nurseries have a short window for reporting issues.