Pink Dianthus 'Claire Tautz' (b)

Water

Carnations, including the Dianthus 'Claire Tautz', generally prefer to have consistently moist soil, but they do not like to be waterlogged. It's best to water them deeply once a week with about one inch of water, adjusting for rainfall, to ensure that the soil remains moist but not saturated. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, possibly every 3–4 days. Use a watering can or hose to gently water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.

Light

Carnations like the Dianthus 'Claire Tautz' thrive in full sun exposure, which means they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day, but they will produce the most prolific blooms in full sun conditions. An ideal spot is in a south-facing garden or against a south-facing wall where they can enjoy ample sunlight.

Temperature

Carnations, such as Dianthus 'Claire Tautz', perform best in temperate climates with daytime temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and cooler night temperatures around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperature dips down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged periods of extreme cold. During the summer, carnations can tolerate temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but may need protection from intense afternoon heat.

Pruning

Pruning Carnations such as Dianthus 'Claire Tautz' is important to maintain their shape, remove dead or spent flowers, and encourage a second bloom in late summer or early fall. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy and to stimulate further blooming. Cutting back the stems by one-third after the first bloom can promote a tidier plant and a second flush of flowers. The best time to perform a major prune is in early spring as new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the best soil mix for Dianthus (commonly known as Carnations or Pinks), use well-draining and slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.5. Incorporate compost and coarse sand into garden soil for optimal growth. Regularly amending with organic matter will promote healthy roots and vibrant blooms.

Repotting

Carnations do not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every two to three years. Ensure pots have good drainage holes and refresh with new alkaline soil mix during repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations prefer moderate to low humidity levels. They tolerate dry air well, so standard indoor humidity conditions are typically suitable without the need for additional humidity control.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and cool temperatures for indoor Carnations.

• Outdoor

  Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds for outdoor Carnations.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Dianthus 'Claire Tautz', commonly known as Claire Tautz Carnation, starts its life cycle as a seed which, under the right conditions of moisture and temperature, will germinate and grow into a seedling. The seedling further develops into a vegetative state, producing a distinctive clump of grass-like foliage, characteristic of many Dianthus species. As the plant matures, flower buds form and blossom into the showy, fragrant flowers that make Claire Tautz Carnation popular in gardens and as cut flowers. After pollination, these flowers produce seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. Under perennial growing conditions, Claire Tautz Carnation will enter a period of dormancy typically in the winter months, preserving resources until the return of favorable growing conditions in the spring when the cycle begins anew. If conditions are not suitable for survival, the plant may complete its life in one growing season, making it functionally an annual.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The Dianthus 'Claire Tautz', commonly known as Carnation or Sweet William, is most commonly propagated through division. This method is best performed in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. You start by digging up the parent plant, using care to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each has its share of roots and shoots. Replant each new section promptly, spreading the roots out in a hole large enough to accommodate them and setting the plant at the same level it was growing before. Water the new plants thoroughly, providing about an inch (about 2.5 centimeters) of water to help establish them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as the new divisions take root and start to grow.