Where do I get good carnation planting material and how many plants per square metre?

Carnation is planted from rooted cuttings of standard or spray types, and you should buy disease free, virus indexed cuttings from a reputed tissue culture or cutting supplier, not from a random nursery, because wilt and virus come in through bad material. Plant density is commonly around 25 to 35 plants per square metre on raised beds, with paired rows and support netting layers to keep stems straight. Standard carnation gives one big bloom per stem after disbudding, spray types give several small blooms. Cost of rooted cuttings varies, so get a written quote and check the variety is one the market actually buys. Confirm the current recommended variety and spacing for your area with the local KVK or horticulture department, since it depends on whether you target standard or spray and your market.