carnationspinks

I am thinking of getting some carnation plants and was wondering if its to cold too plant them out now or if they are ok with cold weather?
I was thinking of the Doris variety.

 

If you buy carnation plants from your garden centre which are growing in pots outside, then I cant see any reason why, if the ground isn't frozen, you can't plant them now. But if you are buying cuttings which have only recently been rooted, then it would probably be better to pot them on, under frost free conditions until maybe late April or May.
According to the RHS Plants & flowers book Doris types are classified as pinks. A cross between old fashioned pinks & perpetual flowering carnations.

 

Thank you Pete I may go out to thw garden centre this afternoon and see what they have got!

 

fothers ...just buy a bunch of carnations from Florist ...and root some of the stems,almost anytime of year, just keep them warm ...and hey presto ...you got lots rooted cuttings in a few weeks time.

 

Ladybird
Dont you find florist's carnations grow a bit tall for outside use?

 

Pete no ...not if you stake them, the Chabaud giants,But not plant till the frost is over, or better plant in pots to overwinter indoors. I was thinking more on the Spray type Carnations,multiflower heads.Doris is my favourite and have a big patch, now being pecked by the Bantams lol.

 

fothers when you plant pinks or carnations don't for get to dig in some horticulural sand below the roots toaid drainage and fork some potash in about late May or earlt June to get more flowers.
Hope you get a blooming good summer

 

Does anyone know how & when to take cuttings of Doris? I also have a large patch of Mrs Simkins (Sinkins?), which are white and beautifully scented, but don't know how to divide them. Any ideas?

 

Foxtrot you can take cuttings from now on on any carnations and pinks, a bit of rooting powder and bottomn heat will help. Best about 2-3" no longer, cut just below a notch. A bit shorter on pinks.