Carnation Double Grenadin Mix—a timeless favourite for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and anyone who loves old-fashioned flowers with a heavenly fragrance. This mix is known for its richly coloured blooms in shades of red, pink, white, black and bi-coloured patterns. The petals are frilled and ruffled, giving them that classic “carnation look” that has been adored for centuries.

Carnations, or Dianthus caryophyllus, have a long history stretching back over 2,000 years. They are thought to have originated around the Mediterranean region, where they were grown for both their beauty and symbolic meaning. The Double Grenadin Mix in particular was developed in Europe in the 19th century, bred for its compact growth, double blooms, and suitability as a cut flower. They became especially popular in Victorian times when carnations were used to convey messages in the “language of flowers.”

Nutritionally, carnations aren’t eaten in the same way as veggies, but the petals are edible and have been used in herbal remedies, teas, and even to flavour wines and cordials. They contain antioxidants, flavonoids, and small amounts of essential oils. Some traditional medicine practices used carnation petals to calm stress and improve digestion. These days, they’re more valued for their beauty and as a garnish than for nutritional benefits.

The Double Grenadin Mix grows as a hardy perennial in cooler climates, though in many places they’re treated as annuals or biennials. They grow to about 45–60 cm tall, forming bushy plants with narrow blue-green leaves. The flowers are highly fragrant and bloom in late spring through summer, making them wonderful for cutting and bringing indoors.

How to Grow:

To grow from seed, for the earliest start – plant indoors or in seed trays about 8–10 weeks before your last frost. Plant otherwise in Spring to early summer.

Sow the seeds on the surface of moist seed-raising mix and press them in lightly, as they need a little light to germinate.

Keep the soil warm and damp until seedlings emerge, usually within 1–3 weeks.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into the garden or pots, spacing them around 20–30 cm apart.

They love full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering, but don’t like soggy conditions.

Pinching back the growing tips when young encourages bushier plants, and deadheading spent blooms will keep them flowering longer.