Succeeds in a sunny position in most good soils tolerating a pH range from 6 to 8 but disliking acid soils. A very tolerant plant, succeeding in the salt laden air and strong winds of the coast as well as in the sulphur polluted air of cities. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c. A very ornamental plant, the carnation is widely cultivated in the flower garden and is grown commercially in France for its essential oil. There are many named varieties. The flowers of the species have a rich clove-like perfume, though almost no scent is present in the orange and yellow-flowering cultivars. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies and moths. Plants are prone to mildew or leaf spot in humid climates.

The flower petals have a strong smell of cloves and are candied, used as a garnish in salads, for flavoring fruit, fruit salads etc. They can also be used as a substitute for rose petals in making a syrup. The petals should be removed from the calyx and their bitter white base should be removed.

Seed - sow spring in slight heat in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Layering in July. Cuttings of non-flowering basal shoots, June/July in a frame. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

A plant of limestone soils, it is often found on old walls in Britain.