How to Grow Carnations? A Detailed Guide to Planting Time, Blooming Time and Flowering Period
Carnation, also known as clove pink, is a relatively common perennial herbaceous plant in China. It is deeply loved by people for its flower language of passion, charm and tolerance. Especially at Mother's Day, many people buy a bouquet to give to their mothers. So when are carnations planted? When do they bloom? How long is the flowering period? How do you grow them?
Planting time:
In the south, they can be planted all year round. In the north, late spring and summer are suitable for planting. Because they are perennial flowers, they can be planted as long as the temperature is suitable, and the flowering period is about 90 days. In the north, they are generally planted in early spring and bloom in summer. From May to July each year is the most suitable season.
Blooming time:
Although the blooming time of carnations is set, different varieties still bloom at different times. Some bloom in one season, and some bloom all year round. The varieties mainly sold on the market now are very ordinary, but their flowering period is relatively long. Generally speaking, artificially cultivated ones bloom for a full year, while natural ones bloom between April and September.
Flowering period:
The natural flowering period is from April to September (varying with weather and temperature), and under protected cultivation they bloom all year round.
Simply put, it depends on the carnation variety. Some bloom in one season, and some bloom in all four seasons. What is sold on the market now is basically ordinary varieties with a long flowering period, and artificially bred carnations bloom in all four seasons. Natural carnations mainly bloom from April to September, and the specific flowering period is determined by the temperature and weather conditions of that year.
Planting techniques:
1. Obtain high-quality seedlings
Carnations can be propagated by cuttings, but in order to obtain good varieties or high-quality seedlings and ensure high-quality finished flowers, purchasing seedlings from a reputable seedling supplier is a good choice. Generally speaking, cuttings can be potted and planted throughout the year, but if potted and established in autumn, the growth time will be longer. If potted in August to September, they will bloom from April to May of the following year.
2. Specifications of the flower pot
Choose 9 cm or 10 cm flower pots, so that the finished flowers produced are suitable for sale on the market.
3. Growing medium
Use high-quality potting soil with a pH between 6 and 7, mixing imported peat with 10% sand. The medium should be sterilized. Before potting, add a fungicide for preventing root rot to the soil.
4. Watering
The soil needs to maintain sufficient moisture. Avoid irregular watering; regular watering is very important for preventing necrosis of the lower leaves.
5. Temperature control
During the first 3 to 4 weeks after the seedlings are planted, keep the temperature at about 12°C, then lower it to 6°C. Temperature control and water supply should be regular according to light conditions. Proper ventilation is very important, but drastic temperature fluctuations should be avoided.
6. Cultivation management
In the first few weeks of cultivation, the flower pots can be placed one against another, but a few weeks after potting they should be spaced 2 to 3 cm apart. In principle, young seedlings do not need pinching, as most plants will produce enough branches. Only those seedlings that bud too quickly need pinching.