How to Grow Harvington Double
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Harvington Double
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Harvington Double'
flowerHarvington Double is a carnation variety prized for its fully double flowers with ruffled petals and rich coloring. This compact, bushy plant produces abundant blooms ideal for cutting and floral arrangements. It's a reliable garden performer that offers long-lasting color throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Harvington Double in your zone?
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Example Harvington Double timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Harvington Double
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Harvington Double blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Harvington Double dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9, thrives in cool to moderate climates
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Get my Harvington Double timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green shoots emerge with narrow cotyledons. First true leaves are thin and grass-like.
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy form with multiple stems and narrow, blue-green foliage. Compact, mounding habit forms.
Pinch growing tips when 6 inches tall to encourage bushier branching. Water at soil level. Begin light fertilizing.
Budding
2-3 weeksTerminal clusters form tight flower buds at stem tips, appearing as small green knots enclosed in papery sepals.
Continue moderate watering. Support tall stems with small stakes if needed. Increase potassium fertilizer to promote flower development.
Flowering
6-10 weeksFull double blooms open with ruffled, densely-packed petals. Flowers are long-lasting, fragrant, and excellent for cutting.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut flowers early morning for longest vase life. Water at base to keep foliage dry.
Mature/Extended Flowering
Until frost or plant declinePlant maintains flower production with proper deadheading. Some plants may slow in extreme heat; foliage remains healthy and attractive.
Maintain deadheading schedule. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive foliage at expense of blooms. Monitor for pests.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, apply sulfur fungicide if severe
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, remove affected plants, use sterile soil for transplants
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Spray with water to dislodge, increase humidity, apply neem oil or miticide if infestation is heavy
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Hand-pick, use copper barriers, apply diatomaceous earth around plants, avoid excessive moisture
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Remove affected flowers, spray with neem oil, improve air circulation
Uses
Edible Garnish & Decoration
CulinaryThe petals of carnations are edible and can be used as an elegant garnish for desserts, salads, and beverages. Ensure pesticide-free flowers when using for culinary purposes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdHarvington Double is exceptional for fresh flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, and long-lasting table displays. The double blooms and strong stems make them ideal for florists and home gardeners. [source]
Flower Pressing & Crafts
CraftThe fully double flowers are beautiful when pressed and dried for use in pressed flower arrangements, bookmarks, and decorative crafts. Air-dry by hanging or pressing between paper. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalCarnation petals have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties and to calm nerves. Modern herbalists use carnation tea for digestive support, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeCarnations attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden, contributing to garden biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning or late evening when stems are fully hydrated. Choose blooms that are fully open but still fresh. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower foliage from cut stems before placing in water. Change water every 2-3 days; flowers last 10-14 days in a vase with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Carnations are the third most popular cut flower in the world after roses and chrysanthemums, and Harvington Double is a classic variety favored by florists for its reliability and long vase life.
- 🌱 The name 'carnation' may derive from 'coronation' (the flowers were used in Greek ceremonial crowns) or from 'carnation' (flesh-colored), referring to the original pink varieties.
- 🌱 Harvington Double carnations have been bred to produce flowers with 40+ petals per bloom, creating the characteristic full, ruffled appearance prized in the floral industry.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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