Carnations (Dianthus)

Hi folks. Today, I sowed some of these in my greenhouse. I'm a bit confused though. In the seed catalogue(Suttons), it describes them as half-hardy perennials, whereas on the packet itself, it says half-hardy annuals. Thing is, I thought they were hardy perennials ! :D Can someone clear this up for me ? Cheers...freddy.

 

With the Dianthus family, Freddy, you have annuals, biennials AND perennials.The likes of Carnations, pinks and alpine Dianthus, are perennial. Then you have the annuals ( corn cockle, dianthus and Gypsophila ). And biennuals ( Dianthus ). Other annuals also include the likes of Silene and Sweet William.

 

Ah right Dai, thanks for that. I presume they ARE hardy ?

 

Some are, some aren`t. What you sowing?

 

Look here Dai. http://www.suttons.co.uk/Shop/Flower+Seeds/Carnation+Chabaud+Giant+Mix+Seeds+108197.htm

 

Basically Freddy, use it as a hardy annual, ( but overwinter it in the greenhouse and then take cuttings ).

 

Ok Dai, ta. Actually, that suits me just fine. I will be looking for certain colours, that way, I can just propagate these. Cheers...freddy.

 

Hope it works out.:gnthb:

 

Oh, one more thing, does it overwinter in the green ?

 

Yes, it`s an evergreen.:gnthb: