By Julie Christensen
From prom corsages to elemental school science experiments , clove pink ( Dianthuscaryophyllus ) serve a myriad of role as cut flower . In the garden , they ’re an easy - to - grow flower for borders and beds . aboriginal to Europe and Asia , carnation efflorescence were used in garland by the ancient Romans and Greeks . The name , carnation , mean “ flower of the god . ” carnation were first introduced to the U.S. in 1852 , as part of a French flower shipment . Their seniority as a cut blossom quickly endear them to U.S. customers . Today , most commercial clove pink are grow in Colombia , Israel and Spain .
The carnations used for cut flowers are relatives ofdianthus , also known as pink . These flowers have similar growing requirements and all produce fringed flowers with a light , savory fragrance . True carnations are usually grown in a glasshouse , but you could grow them in the home garden if you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5 through 9 . In these climates , the industrial plant will last for several years before languish . The blooms probably wo n’t be as large or extravagant as those grown in a blistering house , but carnations do make a lovely addition to the home garden .
Planting and Caring for Carnations
you may arise carnations from baby’s room transplantation or division , but if you ’re patient , you may also raise them from ejaculate . sate a seed originate tray with a moist , light-headed potting soil . Sprinkle carnation seeds over the filth and top with an additional dusting of soil . Place plastic wrapper over the seminal fluid tray and set the tray in a strong locating , such as on top of the refrigerator . Mist it frequently with a sprayer nursing bottle filled with water so the territory stays moist . Once the seeds germinate , move the tray to a sunny windowpane . Keep the potting mix equally moist . When the plant stand 4 column inch marvellous , you may move them outdoors or to larger pots . They ’ll bloom within a year or two .
Regardless of how you start them , carnations need a light , loamy soil to thrive . They do n’t grow well in clay or soggy soils . Amend the territory with compost , peat moss , manure or small bits of bark to improve drainage . Plant carnations in full sunshine for best blossoming . fertilise carnations in outflow as the plants emerge with 1 tablespoon 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer per plant .
As carnation plants age , the middle of the plants sometimes start to die or collapse , specially in poorly drain soil . fraction the plantsevery 3 to 4 years to keep them vigorous and reduce this job . Cut the stems and bring carnations indoors to enjoy in cut organisation or shear spent flowers to encourage more bloom .
Potential Pests and Disease Problems for Carnation Flowers
In the greenhouse industriousness , carnations are subject to a variety of disease , such as anthracnose , leaf spot , rust , fusarium wilt and root hogwash . In the home garden , though , you may probably avoid most problems so long as you trace good planting and attention protocol . Plant Dianthus caryophyllus in full sun and space them so tune circulates adequately . Make certain the soil drain well and do n’t overwater them . Use alcoholic hoses , rather than overhead sprinklers .
Pests are seldom a problem , but may include aphids , lick and mite . address aphids and pinch with an insecticidal petroleum or spray the plants with a stream of water . Dispatch slugs with slug bait .
Cultivars Worth Trying
The Dianthus family is a huge one and you ’ll probably find carnations to fit out every gardening need .
For more entropy on carnation , travel to the following links :
grow Carnations from Seed[PDF ] from the University of California Davis
2004 : The Year of the Dianthusfrom Colorado State University Extension
teach how to grow clove pink from cuttingson YouTube .
