Is Carnation Poisonous? How to Grow It at Home and Whether You Can Eat It, Explained Clearly

The scientific name of the carnation is Dianthus caryophyllus, also known as lion's head pink, large-flowered pink, Dutch pink, etc. It is a plant of the family Caryophyllaceae and the genus Dianthus, and is deeply loved by people. So is the carnation poisonous? How do you grow carnations at home? Can they be eaten?

1. Is the carnation poisonous

The carnation is non-toxic, so there is no need to worry about this. But not all flowers are non-toxic and safe to eat; flowers such as the corn poppy, narcissus, datura and azalea do have a certain toxicity and are not edible.

In addition, the carnation is not only non-toxic but also has fairly high medicinal value. The whole plant can be used as medicine, and it can quench thirst and calm the mind, improve eyesight and clear the heart, beautify the face, soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, and strengthen the stomach and aid digestion. It can also be used to treat toothache and headache, with particularly good results. The carnation is also very rich in trace elements, many of which are substances the human body needs. It greatly helps with blood circulation, the body's metabolic functions, as well as relieving irritability and clearing the body of toxins.

2. How to grow carnations at home

The most important point in caring for carnations is sunlight. They love strong light, so whether they are kept indoors as cut flowers, grown in pots, or cultivated in a greenhouse, they should be placed in a sunny spot with direct sunlight. Only with sufficient light can the flowering period be longer, the flower color more vivid, and the fragrance stronger.

If the carnations are potted, follow these points:

1. Soil: Growing carnations requires a clayey soil that drains well, is rich in humus, holds fertilizer well, and is slightly alkaline.

2. Watering: Carnations grow vigorously and have a fairly strong tolerance for drought. In rainy and overly wet areas, the soil tends to become compacted, and the roots develop abnormally due to poor ventilation, so loosen the soil and drain it during the rainy season. Water promptly and generously during the period of vigorous growth; at other times, just keep the soil moist. Spray water before flowering to adjust humidity.

3. Fertilizing: Carnations love fertilizer. Apply a sufficient amount of baked fertilizer and bone meal before planting, and continue to apply liquid fertilizer during the growing period, generally once every 10 days or so with rotted, diluted fertilizer water, plus one additional application after harvesting the flowers.

If they are fresh cut flowers, change the water every day. When changing the water, cut off part of the stems and rinse the parts soaked in water; do not use too much water, about the height of one index finger (three finger joints) is enough. Also pay attention to ventilation and avoid exposure to the scorching sun.

3. Can carnations be eaten

They can be eaten. The specific methods are as follows:

1. Flower tea: This kind of tea is fairly well known and loved by people. The method is also quite simple: remove parts such as the calyx and stem of the flower. Then put the rest into an oven to dry. Note that you should turn them frequently so they heat more evenly. Once done, put them into an airtight jar and then place it in the refrigerator. When you want to use it, take it out and brew it.

2. Flower wine: First prepare salt water, then put the fresh flowers in and soak for about two hours. This is done to remove the astringent taste and also to kill bacteria. After that, take them out, and once dry put them into baijiu. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Then seal it and place it in a cool place. After two or three months, take it out, open it, and it is ready to drink. You will find that the fragrance and color of the flowers have fully blended with the liquor.

3. Flower porridge: Mix fresh, washed petals with rice, water, etc., and then cook it into porridge. This method is relatively simple, and the ingredients are not hard to find.

4. Notes: First, check whether the flowers have been contaminated by pesticides. Before preparing them, wash them clean first. Also, choose relatively fresh flowers, as the effect is better that way.