A Detailed Guide to the Latest Propagation Methods for Carnations
Carnation propagation is divided into two types: asexual propagation and sexual propagation. Sexual propagation often has a low seed-setting rate, the offspring grown from seed vary greatly in traits, and the seedlings grow slowly, so it is rarely used in production. In production, asexual propagation is widely used, mainly cutting propagation, whose advantages are an abundant supply of cuttings, stable traits, and quick results. Let's take a look together below!
Carnation Seed Propagation
The best germination temperature for carnation seeds is around 20°C. They should be sown indoors in early spring or sown in the open field in September-October, and protected over winter, with the temperature not higher than 15°C and not lower than 0°C. They can be potted up in early spring.
Carnation Layering Propagation
Carnation layering is carried out in August-September. Select a long branch, cut open the bark on the part touching the ground with a knife, cover it with soil, and after 5 to 6 weeks it can take root and survive.
Carnation Tissue Culture
Carnation tissue culture propagation is an important means of producing virus-free plantlets and is widely used in cut flower production. Generally, shoot tips are used for virus-elimination culture, and then mass propagation is carried out.
Carnation Cutting Propagation
1. Cutting selection: Choose plants free of pests and diseases, growing vigorously, with tightly spaced nodes, having 3~4 pairs of expanded leaves and 1 pair of unexpanded leaves, with the rate of cuttings bearing flower buds in the group being less than 10%.
2. Taking cuttings: Cuttings are generally taken at the same time as bud thinning of carnations. Cuttings should be taken according to standards. When taking cuttings, break off the shoots by hand rather than cutting with scissors, to avoid cross-infection by viruses. The base should carry a little of the main stem cortex, but without damaging the mother branch. Keep 4~5 leaves at the top of the cutting and remove all the rest. After arranging them into bundles, soak them in clean water for 30 minutes so the cuttings absorb enough water. The cut surface should be close to the node, and they should be treated with growth regulators to improve the survival rate and the rate of plants ready for release.
3. Cutting storage: Storing cuttings can greatly facilitate year-round seedling raising and year-round balanced flower supply, and allows batch operations to be carried out at one time, saving manpower and material resources. The storage temperature is 1~2°C, and the smaller the fluctuation, the better, preferably within ±1°C. Before storage, subject them to slight dehydration treatment, and the cuttings should be packaged in ultra-thin plastic film.
4. Cutting time: Generally, the hot summer months of July-August should be avoided. The cuttings are required to be of good quality, with relatively large-grained perlite used as the cutting medium, good water quality, and a raised bench cutting bed.
5. Cutting method: When cutting, inserting into the medium about 1 cm is appropriate; in summer, insert deeper, generally 1.5~2 cm. After cutting, spray enough water, and afterward keep it from being too wet to avoid root rot.
6. Cutting management: The cutting bed should have intermittent misting facilities, with the spray volume controlled so that the leaves are just moist. If there is no misting measure, cover with plastic film, and after 1 week switch to reed curtains, but do not shade too much to prevent leggy growth. When the roots of the cuttings reach 1 cm, transplant them, taking care to damage the roots as little as possible.