What are the cultivation methods and precautions for carnations?

Carnation growth habits

Carnations do not like sunlight very much. They are medium-day plants, but they need to see sunlight during the maintenance period, but they cannot stand strong sunlight. They prefer a cool growing environment. Except for the seedling stage and the flowering period, there is no need to worry about strong light damage.

How to grow carnations

Light conditions: Carnations are medium-day plants that prefer plenty of sunlight. Except for the seedling stage and the flowering period, there is no need to worry about strong light damage, and auxiliary light can increase the diameter of the corolla and the brightness of the flower color.

Temperature conditions: Carnations like coolness and can tolerate a certain degree of low temperature. If the temperature is higher than 35℃ in summer and lower than 9℃ in winter, their growth will be very slow or even stop. In summer, corresponding cooling measures should be taken, and in winter, plastic film should be covered or greenhouses should be placed to maintain appropriate temperatures.

Soil conditions: Carnations prefer soil that is fertile, well-ventilated and well-drained, heavy loam being the best. The pH value of the soil suitable for their growth is 5.6~6.4.

Watering method: When watering, follow the principle of watering thoroughly when the soil is dry. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging, which will cause root rot. You can water it more often during the growing period, but control the water at other times and just keep the soil moist.

Fertilization method: The plant needs to be fertilized during its growth period. Generally, apply decomposed organic fertilizer once every 10 days or so, and dilute fertilizer water is preferred. Apply another thin fertilizer after the flowers are harvested, and stop fertilizing in summer.

Precautions for carnation cultivation

Pruning: If you want the plant to bloom more, you need to let the plant grow more branches. The method is to top the plant when it grows to 15-20 cm. When the number of side buds below reaches 6-7, pinch it again. Finally, promote the growth of 12-14 side buds. Pinch it a second time in mid-August. After the first flowering, cut off the pedicels, leaving two buds on each branch.

Disease control: Common diseases of potted carnations include leaf spot, virus disease, and wilt. When the disease occurs, you can buy corresponding chemical agents for prevention and control. At the same time, pay attention to draining stagnant water, maintaining ventilation and light, and improving the environment for plant growth.