🌸 Introduction: Why Carnations are a Smart Choice for Flower Farmers
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), known for its ruffled petals and long vase life, is a favorite cut flower across the globe. With its vibrant colors, sweet fragrance, and symbolism of love and admiration, carnations are in constant demand in floristry, events, and gift bouquets.
This flower farming guide provides a complete overview of carnation cultivation, covering climate, soil, organic methods, pest control, flower harvest, market prospects, and potential profits.
🌱 Botanical Profile and Farming Snapshot
FeatureDetailsCommon NameCarnationBotanical NameDianthus caryophyllusPlant TypeHerbaceous PerennialCrop Duration6–8 monthsIdeal ClimateCool, temperate (15–25°C)Soil PreferenceWell-drained sandy loam, pH 6.5Spacing20 cm x 20 cmYield per Acre100,000–120,000 stems
🌤️ Ideal Climate & Soil for Carnation Farming
Climate:
Requires cool temperature: 15°C to 20°C
High temperature (>30°C) can hinder flower quality
Needs 12–14 hours light/day for best flowering
Soil:
Fertile, well-drained sandy loam
pH: 6.5 to 7.0
Avoid heavy or clayey soils that retain water
🌷 Major Varieties of Carnations
Standard Carnation – Single large flower per stem (florists prefer this)
Spray Carnation – Multiple smaller blooms per stem
Dwarf Carnation – Compact plants, great for pots
Border Carnation – Fragrant, multi-colored blooms
Popular hybrids include:
White Liberty
Red Barbara
Pink Fragrance
Yellow Diana
🔧 Land Preparation & Nursery Management
Land Preparation:
Deep ploughing 2–3 times
Add 20–25 tons FYM per acre
Level the land and prepare raised beds
Nursery:
Sow seeds in sterilized cocopeat trays
Germination temp: 20–22°C
Transplant after 4–6 weeks (4–5 leaf stage)
Spacing:
20 cm between plants
20–25 cm between rows
đź’§ Irrigation & Drainage
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging
Drip irrigation preferred
Irrigation frequency: Every 4–6 days
Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
🌿 Organic Farming in Carnations
Fertilizers:
Vermicompost – 2 tons/acre
Bone meal – Boosts flower production
Panchagavya – Applied as foliar spray biweekly
Pest & Disease Management:
ProblemOrganic ControlAphidsNeem oil + garlic-chili sprayPowdery MildewBaking soda + water + soap sprayRoot RotTrichoderma + good drainageThripsSticky traps + neem extract
🌸 Flowering, Harvest & Post-Harvest Handling
Flowering:
Begins 4–5 months after transplanting
First harvest starts after 120–140 days
Harvesting:
Pick early morning or late evening
Stage: When outer petals are half open
Use clean, sharp tools
Yield:
100,000 to 120,000 stems per acre annually
Post-Harvest:
Grade by stem length and flower size
Pack in bunches of 10–20
Store at 4–5°C with hydration solution
Use corrugated boxes for transport
đź›’ Market Demand and Selling Points
Uses:
Cut flowers for bouquets
Table and event décor
Hair ornaments and garlands (Asia)
Fragrance and essential oil extraction
Potted plants for retail nurseries
Marketing Avenues:
Florists and flower shops
Wedding decorators
Exporters (Europe, UAE, SE Asia)
Online flower delivery portals
Retail supermarkets and home décor brands
đź’° Cost and Profit Calculation (Per Acre)
Expense ComponentApprox. Cost (INR)Seeds/Seedlings₹40,000–₹60,000Organic Inputs₹20,000–₹30,000Irrigation & Labor₹30,000Misc. Costs₹10,000Total Cost₹1,00,000–₹1,30,000Yield1,00,000–1,20,000 stemsPrice/Stem₹2–₹5Gross Income₹2,00,000–₹6,00,000Net Profit₹1,00,000–₹4,70,000
🌿 Carnations for Home Gardeners
Use dwarf varieties in pots or terraces
Soil mix: Garden soil + compost + cocopeat (1:1:1)
Place in sunny spots with partial shade
Fertilize monthly with organic liquid feed
Pinch tips for bushier growth
đź“Ś Tips to Boost Profit
Choose long-stem, fragrant hybrids for premium markets
Use biodegradable mulch film
Register for APEDA for export support
Offer value-added products (bouquet combos, DIY kits)
Market on social media and floristry networks
🔚 Conclusion
Carnation flower farming offers exceptional returns due to year-round demand, strong market pricing, and suitability for both open and greenhouse cultivation. By adopting organic practices and understanding market needs, farmers can establish a profitable, sustainable floriculture venture with carnations.
✍️Real Neel
Founder -Farming Writers
Read A Dutch Rose Flower Farming👇
https://worldcrop.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/dutch-rose-flower-farming-guide/