Description
In the world of ornamental horticulture, few flowers possess the enduring allure and versatility of the carnation. Among its many cultivated varieties, the Carnation Enfante de Nice Mix stands out as a testament to both aesthetic brilliance and horticultural heritage.
With highly scented flowers, the ruffled blooms are scarlet, pink, salmon and white with some stripes and picotee markings. The plants themselves are compact, reaching heights of 50cm, with slender, blue-green foliage that provides an elegant contrast to the vivid blooms.
A key appeal of this mix lies in its extended blooming period. When deadheaded regularly, the plants produce flowers continuously from late spring through summer, offering a dynamic display that evolves with the seasons. Their sturdy stems and long vase life (up to two weeks when cut) further enhance their value, positioning them as a favourite for florists and home gardeners crafting bouquets.
Beyond their visual splendor, Enfante de Nice carnations play a vital role in supporting biodiversity. Their nectar-rich blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
Find your Climate Zone
Method: Sow direct or seedlings
| Soil Temp: 10°C - 25°C
|
Cool Mountain: Nov - Dec
| Position: Part sun
|
Arid: Aug - Jan
| Row Spacing: 30cm apart
|
Temperate: Sep-Nov, Mar-Jun
| Planting Depth: 3 mm
|
Sub Tropical: May - Oct
| Harvest: 180 Days |
Tropical: Jun - Aug
| Plant Height: 50cm
|
Soil Preparation
Soil Types:
- Sandy soils: Improve water retention with compost, coco coir, or well-rotted manure.
- Clay soils: Add gypsum and coarse sand for drainage.
- Alkaline soils: Carnations prefer pH 6.7–7.5. Test soil and add lime if acidic.
Potting Mix for Containers:
- Use 50% premium potting mix + 30% perlite/pumice + 20% compost.
- Add dolomite lime to raise pH if needed.
Seed Starting & Transplanting
Steps for Success:
- Sow Indoors: Surface-sow seeds in trays with seed-raising mix.
- Lightly press into soil (no covering).
- Watering: Mist daily with a spray bottle to keep moist.
- Light: 12–16 hours under grow lights or a sunny windowsill.
- Transplant: Harden off seedlings over 7–10 days. Plant in garden beds or pots after frost risk passes.
Spacing:
- Dwarf varieties: 30 cm apart.
- Standard varieties: 40 cm apart.
Growing Requirements
Sunlight:
- Full sun (4-6+ hours daily).
Watering:
- Water deeply 1–2x weekly. Use drip irrigation to conserve water.
- Containers: Water when top 2 cm of soil is dry.
Fertilising:
- Use slow-release organic fertiliser at planting.
- Apply liquid seaweed or fish emulsion every 4 weeks during growth.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers as they promotes foliage over flowers.
Mulching:
- Use pea straw, sugar cane mulch, or gravel (5 cm layer). Keep mulch away from stems.
Pest & Disease Management
- Aphids/Thrips: Spray with neem oil or soapy water. Introduce ladybugs.
- Snails/Slugs: Use beer traps or iron-based pellets.
- Kangaroos/Wallabies (bushland areas): Protect with wire mesh or plant in raised beds.
Diseases:
- Fungal Rot (humid zones): Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide.
- Rust: Remove affected leaves. Improve airflow.
Companion Planting Guide for Australia
Best Companions:
- Lavender: Repels aphids; thrives in similar dry, sunny conditions.
- Rosemary & Sage: Drought-tolerant; deter beetles and moths.
- Marigolds: Suppress root-knot nematodes (common in sandy soils).
- Nasturtiums: Trap aphids; edible flowers add color.
- Native Companions:
- Everlasting Daisies: Low water, attract pollinators.
- Kangaroo Paw: Contrasts with carnations in arid gardens.
Avoid Planting With:
- Tomatoes/Potatoes: Susceptible to similar fungal diseases.
- Water-Hungry Plants (e.g., lettuce): Carnations prefer drier soil.
Seasonal Care
Summer:
- Shade cloth in temperatures over 35°C.
- Mulch heavily to retain moisture.
Autumn:
- Prune spent flowers; divide overcrowded plants.
Winter:
- Temperate/Cool Zones: Protect from frost with cloches or move pots indoors.
- Tropical Zones: Prime flowering season; reduce fertiliser.
Spring:
- Apply compost and slow-release fertiliser as new growth appears.
Wallflower Single Mixed 
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