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| Dianthus caryophyllus | Common name; Carnation |
Border carnations are perennial and are generally grown for their fragrant cut flower properties.
They come in a variety of self and bi-coloured varieties as can be seen here;
Carnations should be planted out in full sun 300-500mm (12”-18”) apart in a well-drained, light sandy soil.
The crown, or top of the root structure, must be level with the surface of the soil, never bury any part of the stem.
The plants should not be mulched, their tender root tops and trailing stems require good air circulation at all times and must be kept as free from moisture as possible
Week 7; Sow seeds thinly in pots/ trays of seed compost and maintain a temperature of 16°-20°C (61°-68°F).
After germination, which should take around for to five days, reduce the temperature to 10°-12°C (50°-54°F).
Week 9; Prick out when large enough to handle into trays / boxes of potting compost.
Week 13; Harden off in a cold frame till planting out time.
Week 17; Take piping cuttings if there are any available.
Week 21; Plant out in a well drained sunny situation in soil that has been lightly manured.
Too rich soil can encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pot up rooted piping cuttings.
Week 25; Support plants by inserting three split canes and encircle each plant with string or raffia.
Alternatively use purpose made wire rings.
circa Week 26; For quality flowers disbud any side shoots, retaining only the crown bud on main stems.
Do not apply fertilisers to border carnations after flowering.
Feeding may encourage an inferior second crop of flower stems in autumn.
Week 30; Increase border carnations by taking piping cuttings or layering
Week 36; Check layers, and if rooted sever from the parent plants.
Three or four weeks later, lift the rooted the plantlets and place in flowering quarters.
Support the plantlets by tying into a split cane until they become established.
Week 39; Tidy up / prune established plants before the onset of winter.
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