Dianthus caryophyllus

About 300 species of herbaceous annuals and perennials belong to the genus Dianthus. The commonly commercially available long-flowering varieties are derived from the garden carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). The range of colors (white, yellow, cream, pink, red of various shades, purple, variegated) of these varieties is usually wider than that of the original species, and although in comparison with it the hybrid varieties do not have such an aroma, they are larger in size. After all, the garden carnation (D. caryophyllus) reaches a height of 30 cm, but some forms and hybrids grow by more than 1 m. The most common modern carnations are flowers of the Sim group of various colors, the so-called American carnations. In addition, there are forms on sale that do not exceed 20-25 cm in height - these are miniature carnations.

About 300 species of herbaceous annuals and perennials belong to the genus Dianthus. The commonly commercially available long-flowering varieties are derived from the garden carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). The range of colors (white, yellow, cream, pink, red of various shades, purple, variegated) of these varieties is usually wider than that of the original species, and although in comparison with it the hybrid varieties do not have such an aroma, they are larger in size. After all, the garden carnation (D. caryophyllus) reaches a height of 30 cm, but some forms and hybrids grow by more than 1 m. The most common modern carnations are flowers of the Sim group of various colors, the so-called American carnations. In addition, there are forms on sale that do not exceed 20-25 cm in height - these are miniature carnations.

Cultivation

Carnations are grown exclusively as cut flowers in the open air, 30-40 plants per 1 m2 of flower beds. Supports are required for varieties exceeding 1 m in height; the low ones are grown in pots. The best soil is loamy, air-permeable, with minimal lime content and a lot of organic matter. If the soil is of heavy texture (clay), then manure, peat and sand are added to it. Complex mineral fertilizers are dissolved in water for irrigation at the rate of 1.5-2 g per bucket of water every 1-2 weeks.

Carnations are grown exclusively as cut flowers in the open air, 30-40 plants per 1 m2 of flower beds. Supports are required for varieties exceeding 1 m in height; the low ones are grown in pots. The best soil is loamy, air-permeable, with minimal lime content and a lot of organic matter. If the soil is of heavy texture (clay), then manure, peat and sand are added to it.

Complex mineral fertilizers are dissolved in water for irrigation at the rate of 1.5-2 g per bucket of water every 1-2 weeks.

Location

In the summer they prefer partial shade; in autumn-winter - higher illumination.

Temperature

The optimum temperature is 17-20 °C during the day and 15-16 °C at night. Garden carnations can tolerate higher temperatures, but if they fall below 8-9 °C, they will not bloom.

Watering

In addition to regular watering, spraying will be helpful during hot months.

Transplant

Transplanting can be carried out in the spring using a mixed fertilized neutral or slightly acidic soil (earth, peat and sand). From small pots or honeycomb containers, plants are usually placed in large pots until the diameter reaches 15 cm. When grown from seed, after thinning the seedlings in suitable climatic conditions, in the spring they transplant the carnations to the flower bed, in the garden in their assigned place.

Reproduction

For various forms and hybrids, propagation by cuttings is used. In the spring-summer period, side shoots are taken and planted to root in soil consisting of peat and perlite expanded clay, in a closed room with high humidity. The species are propagated by seed in February-March; sown in peaty soil. Remember that not all forms can be reproduced without a license from the manufacturer who developed them. Pay attention to the label.

For various forms and hybrids, propagation by cuttings is used. In the spring-summer period, side shoots are taken and planted to root in soil consisting of peat and perlite expanded clay, in a closed room with high humidity.

The species are propagated by seed in February-March; sown in peaty soil. Remember that not all forms can be reproduced without a license from the manufacturer who developed them. Pay attention to the label.

Diseases

Make it a rule to use soil in your garden and potting soil that has never been grown with carnations before. Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium, which cause wilting and death, are the most harmful to the roots, root collar and conductive tissues of the plant. Take advantage of preventive measures by taking clean soil and cuttings from healthy plants. Alternaria (Alternaria) causes discoloration of flowers and the appearance of spots on the leaves; rusty pustules are formed due to Uromyces caryophyllinus. Use copper or dithiocarbamate fungicides. Various types of nematodes attack the roots and bases of the stems, resulting in galls and rot. Another unpleasant guest is the hornbeam mite. Leocea pronuba and other caterpillars are very dangerous; they are harvested by hand or the plants are treated with appropriate preparations.

Make it a rule to use soil in your garden and potting soil that has never been grown with carnations before. Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium, which cause wilting and death, are the most harmful to the roots, root collar and conductive tissues of the plant. Take advantage of preventive measures by taking clean soil and cuttings from healthy plants. Alternaria (Alternaria) causes discoloration of flowers and the appearance of spots on the leaves; rusty pustules are formed due to Uromyces caryophyllinus. Use copper or dithiocarbamate fungicides.

Various types of nematodes attack the roots and bases of the stems, resulting in galls and rot. Another unpleasant guest is the hornbeam mite. Leocea pronuba and other caterpillars are very dangerous; they are harvested by hand or the plants are treated with appropriate preparations.

Acquisition

Seeds in a variety of shapes and hybrids are available in a wide variety of crop stores. If you are buying potted cloves, choose healthy plants with intact leaves and no obvious defects first.