Pinching involves removal of the terminal floral bud to produce many smaller flowers on each stem. The foliage resembles the familiar bluish, grassy leaves commonly seen with florist's carnations. Colors include white, pink, red, rose, orange and pale yellow, with a few variegated varieties. Most smell like cloves, but some smell more spicy and others smell sweeter. Incidentally, many of the florist's carnations available as cut flowers grow as white and are then dyed.
Carnations prefer full-sun exposure, but away from reflected heat.
Soil should be light and well-drained. Although they are perennial, they are often treated as annuals. Plants may be dug, divided and replanted deeper in the spring to be maintained as perennials. Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574. Maintained by Boulevards New Media .