Carnations are thought to have originated in the mediterrean regions. It grows in Sunset Climate Zones 1 - 24 or USDA Hardiness Zones 3-4 through 8-9.
These are the requirements for optimal growth:
- Full sunlight - needs 4-5 hours minimum every day. The production/development of flower buds need long-day conditions
- Soil - fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline (pH 6.75)
- Temperature - daytime 50-59F; night 41-46F
- Manure - peat, pine bark, well-rotted cow manure. A rich soil well-fed with nitrogen is not suited to carnations and just contributes to vegetative growth, not flowers.
- Mulching should not be done around carnations - they must be kept free from foliage moisture and have plenty of air circulation around the stem.
- Regular moisture is important, but carnations cannot live with "wet feet". They are high susceptible to rot.
