Founding florist
Tulipanna
Bondi NSW · est. 1992
A Bondi Road florist since 1992, with seasonal bouquets, arrangements, roses and potted orchids, and a weekly note on what's at market.
Seasonal cut flowerDianthus caryophyllus
Carnations: when they're in season in Australia
Carnations are available all year in Australia, from local growers. Outside those months most stems are imported, usually from Kenya, Colombia, Ecuador, Malaysia and China.Being confirmed
- Right now
- In season in September
- Season
- all year
- Vase life
- 8 to 20 days
Season by state
Carnations are available year-round in Australia from glasshouse and field growers, topped up by imports. Carnations, along with roses and chrysanthemums, are among the biggest imported flower lines, mostly from Colombia, Kenya and other large exporters. They are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, often going two weeks or more, and come in an unusually wide colour range including green, khaki and many bi-colours. Standard, spray and Sweet William types are all common at market.
Where to buy carnations
One of the most affordable flowers at market, sold by the bunch all year. Being confirmed
How to choose good carnations
Look at the calyx, the green cup at the base of the flower. It should be firm and unsplit, because a split calyx lets the petals spill out sideways. Stems should feel stiff and snap cleanly, and the grey-green leaves should show no yellowing. On sprays, count the buds still to open, as that is where the extra days come from. Smell them too. Some carnations still carry a clove scent, while many modern commercial types have almost none. Being confirmed A bunch of ten standards fills a medium vase. They are good value in any month, so buy whenever the colour suits.
Grown here or imported?
Carnations are not native to Australia, but they're grown here commercially.
Where they're grown
Carnations have been a glasshouse crop in Australia for decades. Local stems come from covered, often hydroponic, operations in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales, with Victoria the largest producer. Much of Victoria's cut-flower growing sits around Melbourne and in the Wimmera. The farms are specialist commercial growers that pick to a steady weekly schedule, not seasonal flower farms. A large share of the carnations sold here is now imported, mainly from South America and Africa, so ask your florist if you would prefer Australian-grown stems.
Out of season, florists bring in imported stems, mostly from Kenya, Colombia, Ecuador, Malaysia, China. Ask your florist which you're buying: local stems are usually fresher and have travelled less.Being confirmed
Colours, varieties and care
Colours
- white
- cream
- yellow
- orange
- apricot
- red
- pink
- magenta
- purple
- green
- bi-colour
Varieties to ask for
- Standard (Sim)
- Spray
- Sweet William
Vase life
8 to 20 days Being confirmed
Making them last
- Buy flowers more than half open, avoiding brown tips or tight buds
- Recut stems between the nodes, not through them
- Use clean water with flower food
- Keep away from fruit, as carnations are sensitive to ethylene
- Change the water every few days and they will easily last two weeks
Using them at home
Carnations are the workhorse of a mixed vase and suit any season. In summer pair them with sunflowers or lisianthus, in winter with tulips or anemones, and all year with roses, chrysanthemums and eucalyptus. They look most modern massed in one colour, cut short and packed into a low bowl or wide tumbler so the heads touch. Standards open slowly from a ruffled cup to a full round head over several days, and sprays keep opening side buds. Green and khaki types are handy for mixing with natives.
Meaning and birth month
Traditionally a symbol of fascination and love, with pink carnations linked to a mother's love.
Carnations are a traditional birth flower for January.
Where to see them growing
Sydney Flower Market
Flemington
Best: all yearBeing confirmed
Melbourne Market flower market (National Flower Centre)
Epping
Best: all yearBeing confirmed
Questions people ask
When are carnations in season in Australia?
Carnations are available all year in Australia. Local glasshouse and field growers supply them year-round, and imports fill the gaps, so you can buy them in any month.
How long do carnations last?
Carnations are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, usually eight to twenty days depending on the variety. Keep them away from fruit and change the water every few days.
Where do imported carnations come from?
Carnations are one of the biggest imported flower lines in Australia. ABC News reporting names Colombia, Kenya, Ecuador, Malaysia and China as the main sources of imported cut flowers. Ask your florist if you want Australian-grown.
Are carnations poisonous to cats?
The ASPCA lists carnations as mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing the leaves or petals can cause mild vomiting or diarrhoea, and the sap can irritate skin. It is rarely serious, but keep vases out of reach and talk to your vet if your pet seems unwell after eating any.
Can you grow carnations in Melbourne?
Yes. Garden carnations and their smaller cousins, pinks, grow well in Melbourne in a sunny, well-drained spot with slightly alkaline soil. Plant in autumn or spring, water sparingly and pick flowers regularly to keep new buds coming. Garden plants will not match florist stems, which are grown under cover.
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