How to get carnations to stand up?

I started mine from seed. Two supposed dwarf varieties. Supposed to have strong stems. They are growing like soft spagetti.

Are they all supposed to be staked?

many thanks for any suggestions
Lori

 

Hi Lori,

I always pinch out the growing tips when there are about 3 pairs of leaves. This makes them bushier and sturdier.
When they flower all Carnations will need support of some sort as the stems aren't strong enough to support the flower heads. Also, when deadheading, don't just take the dead flowers off, take the stem right back to where you can see the next side shoots forming.
Another thing I do this time of year is take all the flowering stems off as low down as possible. You'll find that they are evergreen and will grow slowly during the winter. I use them to provide some green in a winter hanging basket. I'll put a pic up of it tomorrow.

 

Thank you! I'm too latd to pinch this last group of seedlings (3 weeks old) and the first ones, I just ripped out as it looked like spagetti.

Still got lots of seeds, so I'm going to start again.

thanks again for giving me a heads up about this.

 

Lori, how tall are your latest batch. I would have thought at only 3 weeks old it would be worth giving it a go.

 

They are about 2 inches tall. You're right, I really don't have anything to lose if I pinch them off now.

Thanks again, I do really appreciate the advice because I just love the smell of carnations and want so much to grow my own.

 

This is my Winter wall basket....



PS... It's not finished yet before anyone says it's a bit sparce ! ! !

 

Aha! Now that makes sense. That's where I went wrong. I tried to grow them in a bed rather than a pot. Too cool!

Thanks for the help!
Lori

 

You can grow them in an open bed as well but they do tend to sprawl. Another thing to remember is that they don't like being fed too much. A little half strength tomato feed about 3 time during the Spring/Summer is all they need.