Key Techniques for Winter-Spring Cutting Propagation of Carnations

Carnation is an annual or perennial clump-forming herbaceous flower of the genus Dianthus in the family Caryophyllaceae. Its propagation can be carried out by sowing, cuttings, layering, tissue culture and other methods, but cutting propagation is generally the most commonly used, carried out in winter and spring.

Generally speaking, carnation cuttings can be taken from December to April of the following year, with January to February being the most suitable; at this time the lateral buds used as cuttings grow vigorously and are of the best quality. At the same time, cuttings taken during this period can control the plants to bloom at New Year's Day and Spring Festival of the following year. The survival rate of cuttings taken in March is also relatively high, but subsequent growth is not as good as that of cuttings taken from January to February, so this time can be used when replanting is needed. To take carnation cuttings, first prepare the growing medium, generally using garden soil mixed with 30% to 40% rice-hull ash or sandy soil; after mixing evenly, place it in a cutting pot or wooden box.

Cuttings need to be taken in a greenhouse, selecting cuttings from mother plants that grow vigorously, bloom uniformly and have thick, short-jointed branches. From the middle part of a vigorous branch, select a short, thick lateral bud, 3 to 4 cm in length. When collecting cuttings, use the "snap-off method" with both hands at the same time, that is, hold the main branch with one hand and the bud selected as a cutting with the other, peeling off the old leaves and the bud outward together so that the base is intact and bears a node scar. Immerse the cuttings in water or spray water on the peeled surfaces so they absorb enough water, and keep them for cutting.

The cutting depth should be 1/3 to 1/2 of the length of the cutting. After inserting, water thoroughly and maintain a temperature of 10°C to 15°C. Care of the seedbed must be meticulous; water once again the next day after insertion. If the leaves show a wilting tendency, spray the leaf surface several times; the soil should be slightly moist, but not overly wet. At the initial stage of insertion, shade from the sun is generally needed on clear days to avoid strong light, and about 2 weeks of shading is usually sufficient. The cuttings will root in about 30 to 45 days, and generally the seedlings can be transplanted about 1 month after they take root.

If cuttings are taken after March, the selected cuttings can be slightly longer. Because the temperature gradually rises at this time, with large day-night temperature differences and high humidity, a frame with shade is needed for about 3 weeks, and attention should be paid to ventilation and air permeability to prevent the seedlings from suffering pests and diseases.