Carnation Seeds - Jeanne Dionis

The Carnation Seeds – Jeanne Dionis variety is a truly remarkable and elegant selection, known for its striking, large blooms with a soft, refined beauty. With its delicate ruffled petals in shades of soft pink, pale rose, and cream, Jeanne Dionis carnations add a graceful and romantic touch to any garden or floral arrangement. The sweet, spicy fragrance and long-lasting blooms make this variety a favorite among gardeners and florists alike.

Key Benefits

• Delicate, Ruffled Blooms: Features large, frilly flowers with soft pastel hues, making it a beautiful addition to gardens and bouquets.
• Fragrant Flowers: Emits a sweet, pleasant fragrance, perfect for sensory gardens or as cut flowers to enjoy indoors.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: Known for its extended flowering period, ensuring vibrant flowers from late spring through the summer.
• Compact and Sturdy: Grows strong, upright stems that support the large blooms, ideal for cutting and use in floral arrangements.
• Cold-Hardy: A resilient variety that can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Strong, upright plants with sturdy stems that support large, ruffled blooms.
• Flower Size: Large, 3-inch blooms with soft, frilled petals that create a dense, full flower head.
• Bloom Color: Shades of pale pink, soft rose, and creamy white, giving the flowers a gentle, romantic appearance.
• Growth Habit: Compact and bushy, making it ideal for garden borders, containers, or as a cut flower.
• Height: Grows to a height of 12–18 inches, making it perfect for smaller spaces or as a front-of-border plant.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• Best planted in early spring or late summer for optimal growth and bloom production.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds about 1/8 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 8–12 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Water at the base of the plant to prevent water from touching the foliage and to avoid fungal diseases.

Fertilization

• Feed with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and vibrant flowers.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Trim back the plants after blooming to encourage fresh growth and keep them looking their best.

Pest and Disease Control

• Watch for common pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
• Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Blooms are ready to harvest approximately 80–100 days after planting.

Harvesting Blooms

• Cut flowers early in the morning when they are just starting to open for the longest vase life.
• Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to cut the stems at an angle just above a node.

Storage

Short-Term

• Place freshly cut flowers in clean water, changing the water every 2–3 days to keep the blooms fresh.
• Keep cut flowers in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight for best results.

Long-Term

• Carnations can be dried or pressed for decorative purposes, preserving their beauty and structure for future use.

Culinary Uses

• The petals of Jeanne Dionis carnations are edible and can be used as a garnish for desserts, salads, or drinks.
• Their soft pastel colors add elegance and a subtle spicy flavor to any dish or beverage presentation.

Conclusion

The Carnation Seeds – Jeanne Dionis variety is a stunning and refined addition to any garden or floral arrangement. With its large, ruffled flowers in soft pastel hues and delightful fragrance, Jeanne Dionis carnations bring elegance and charm to any space. Whether used in garden borders, containers, or as cut flowers, they will add beauty, fragrance, and sophistication to your home or outdoor setting. Add this exquisite variety to your garden today for a graceful touch of floral luxury.