How to Grow Carnations: A Detailed Guide to Planting Time, Blooming Time and Flowering Period

Carnation, also known as clove pink, is a fairly common perennial herbaceous plant in China. It is deeply loved for its flower meanings of passion, charm and tolerance, and especially at Mother's Day, many people buy a bouquet to give to their mother. 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 it is a perennial root flower, it can be planted as long as the temperature is suitable, and the flowering period is about 90 days. In the north, it is generally planted in early spring and blooms in summer. May to July each year is the most suitable season.

Blooming time:

Although the blooming time of carnations is generally established, 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:

Natural flowering period is from April to September (varies with weather and temperature); under protected cultivation, they bloom in all four seasons.

Simply put, it depends on the variety of carnation. Some bloom in one season, and some bloom in all four seasons. Those sold on the market now are basically ordinary varieties with a long flowering period, and artificially cultivated carnations bloom in all four seasons. Natural carnations mainly bloom from April to September, and the specific flowering period depends on the temperature and weather conditions of that year.

Growing 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, buying seedlings from a reputable seedling supplier is a good choice. Generally speaking, cuttings can be potted throughout the year, but if they are potted and planted in autumn, the growing 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 planting the seedlings, 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 avoid drastic temperature fluctuations.

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, and most plants will produce enough branches. Only those seedlings that bud too quickly need pinching.