Question
I would like some florist size carnation plants for my cutting garden.  Most all I see at nurseries are dianthus.  Is there a source for these plants available to the home gardener?  Thank you, VWR

Answer
Those big, beautiful Carnations ('Dianthus caryophyllus' to botanists) are fairly easy to grow and a lot more fragrant than the ones in the Florist.  But they need staking and careful bud removal to put all the punch into a single bloom, similar to the special treatment long stemmed Roses get before they head to the florist fridge.  These Carnations are spicy-scented perennials in warmer regions.  But if you start them now from Seed you will have blooms this year.

They are not hardy, unfortunately, in cooler regions.  Too tender.

You can buy them from dealers of Ferry-Morse Seed:

http://www.ferry-morse.com/seeds.asp?type=perennials&search_string=&folder=seeds

See the Dealer Search tab to locate a retailer.

Yes, these are Seeds unfortunately -- I don't see anyone selling Carnation plants because they have a reputation for being excruciatingly unreasonable.  Good luck and keep in touch,