Carnations grow 16-18" and make great borders or edging for the garden. They grow well and bloom in spring, lasting through the summer. The perennial varieties are hardy and withstand light frosts. Perennials should be mulched for winter protection against extreme cold temperatures. Carnations have few problems with insects and disease and can be treated early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide as appropriate.

They can actually be successfully planted in flowerbeds or containers. They produce a spicy clove-like fragrance, and the most common colors are white, red, and pink. Carnations are often called "Pinks" in the garden. They are simply created from the multiple flowers on the stem, by pinching off all flowers, except the center or terminal bud.

Carnations are grown from seed. They can be directly seeded in the flower garden, or planted indoors for transplanting later. If the plants are to be grown outdoors, you need to sow them early in the spring. The soil should not be too wet. When sowing the carnation seeds, you need to cover them lightly with 1/4 inches of fine soil.

You need to space the seeds or seedlings 12" apart. Bouquet carnations are available at a number of dedicated florists and specialty shops around the world. They make excellent gifts and decorations. The meanings commonly associated with carnations include fascination, distinction, and love. Like many other flowers, different messages are also expressed with the flower’s different color varieties.

Carnations are very popular flowers, especially as boutonnieres, in corsages, bouquets, and in a wide range of floral arrangements for all occasions. The flowers grow big, full blooms on strong, straight stems and the blooms last a long time. These flowers were referred to as "Jove's Flowers" in ancient Rome. This was to pay tribute to one of their beloved gods.

In many parts of the world the red and pink carnations are used for expressing love and gratitude toward parents on Parents Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Sometimes, you see people wear a corsage of carnations on their left lapels, especially on Parents Day. The flower also honors teachers on Teacher's Day. Students, past and present, express their admiration and gratitude to their teachers with carnations.

The name carnation is synonymous with 'admiration','love' and 'gratitude'. According to a popular Christian legend, carnations first appeared as Jesus carried the cross to Mount Calvary. While his blessed mother, Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, carnations sprang up from where her tears fell! This is why the pink carnation is considered a symbol of a mother's undying love. In 1907 it was chosen as the emblem of Mother’s Day. The market for the carnation flowers is gaining in popularity all over the world and the flowers have found a niche for themselves at recognized outlets.