Carnation in Zone 3a & 3b
Dianthus caryophyllus
Yes, carnation grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Apr 11–Apr 18 and plant out May 23–May 30.
When to plant carnation in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 23–May 30 |
| Estimated bloom | Oct 5–Oct 12 (~135 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-2.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of carnation in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumJun 6–Jun 13
- MarigoldJun 6–Jun 13
- Bells of IrelandMay 23–May 30
- Orlaya (Laceflower)May 23–May 30
- Phlox (Annual)May 23–May 30
- RanunculusMay 23–May 30
Carnation is the flower most people picture from a grocery-store bouquet, but the plant behind that image is a tender perennial, hardy in zones 6-8 and grown as an annual everywhere else. The seed-grown strain behind almost every home planting is Chabaud, a French heirloom bred for fragrance and cutting rather than the scentless, long-shelf-life carnations sold at florists today.
How carnation fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Carnation needs about 135 days from transplant to first bloom.
Carnation planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Apr 11–Apr 18 | May 23–May 30 | Oct 5–Oct 12 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 8–May 15 | Sep 20–Sep 27 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 3–May 10 | Sep 15–Sep 22 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | Aug 31–Sep 7 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 3–Apr 10 | Aug 16–Aug 23 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Mar 18–Mar 25 | Jul 31–Aug 7 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | Jun 23–Jun 30 |
Bloom dates are about 135 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for carnation.
Where to buy carnation seeds
True Leaf Market · Burpee (each supplier's carnation seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing carnation" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Carnation in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
Save to Pinterest