Chinese carnation: growing from seeds of annual and perennial plants. Chinese carnation perennial and annual cultivation from seeds for seedlings planting and care
Among other perennial flowers, suitable for growing on the balcony and for the garden, it was very fond of domestic flower growers. Unlike carnation shabo, it grows in a small bush and its dwarf varieties grow only up to fifteen centimeters.
Dignity of this flower is its active flowering throughout the summer, while the inflorescences are very diverse and can be monophonic and with bright cuts and stripes.
This carnation is not named Chinese by chance, because China, Mongolia and Korea are its natural environment growth. As decorative culture for landscaping and cutting into decorative bouquets, it has been grown for more than three hundred years.
Reproduction and cultivation technology
Like other varieties of cloves, (turkish, shabo), the most popular method of growing this species is seed planting for seedlings. Seed preparation consists of preliminary stratification and soaking in a solution of a root growth stimulator (fifteen minutes before boarding).
Chinese carnation, cultivation from seeds of which even a beginner in floriculture can carry out, is not demanding on the composition of the soil. Therefore, you can use the usual garden soil. However, if the soil is very heavy, for example, clayey, then a little river sand or perlite can be added to improve its properties. Also, to obtain seedlings, you can use ready-made soils for garden flowers.
seedlings planted in early March, so that by the beginning of summer she had time to reach the age of flowering. However, she needs additional illumination with lamps, which should be taken care of before landing. They turn on additional lighting in the morning and evening, so that a saturated daylight hours is about twelve hours. On cloudy days, additional illumination is performed all day.
Seeding tanks seedlings can be taken not very deep - up to ten centimeters. At the bottom of the tank, of course, a drainage layer is laid and covered with soil, without compacting it. Then the soil is watered abundantly so that natural shrinkage forms and another layer of soil is added, which is moistened drip irrigation.
Grooves are made on the surface of the soil, where Chinese carnation seeds are laid at an interval of five centimeters. Crops are covered with a thin layer of soil and the container is covered with a transparent film or glass. When using a film, it can perform ventilation holes, preventing the occurrence of mold and rot, to which this carnation is very susceptible. But the glass will need to be cleaned twice daily - in the morning and in the evening for fifteen minutes.
The optimum temperature for active seed germination is about twenty degrees Celsius. After germination, it is reduced by a few degrees.
Seedlings emerge in ten days. A couple of days after the final germination, the film or glass is completely removed. And after the appearance of the very first pair of true leaves, the seedlings are dived into separate containers.
At the stage of the appearance of the fourth pair of leaves, pinching is performed to stimulate the growth of lateral shoots. (cut off the upper tip of the shoot, which stops its growth). Watering during the period of seedling growth is carried out once every two days and only with the help of a sprayer.
IN open ground stronger seedlings are transferred in May, when the probability of slight frosts will be minimal. As a preparation, from mid-April, the seedlings are periodically hardened, taking them outside in warm weather. In the same period, nitrogenous fertilizers are applied to the plot of the garden prepared for planting. When grown in a cold climate, transplanting to a flower bed is performed in early summer.
Distance between seedlings Chinese carnation in a flower bed depends on its variety. For dwarf varieties it is enough to leave about ten centimeters, but tall varieties need a lot of space - at least twenty centimeters between the bushes.
Caring for a Chinese carnation in a flower bed
At the beginning of summer, phosphoric and potash fertilizers For lush flowering. Withered inflorescences are regularly cut off, since seed ripening can cause inhibition of re-flowering.
On hot days, it is necessary to intensify watering in order to prevent the soil from drying out too much. It is carried out in the evening.
In autumn, the stems are pruned, leaving from five to ten centimeters and covered root system mulch. The following spring, top dressing with nitrogenous fertilizers is carried out. An effective method of natural farming.
Features of growing in a pot
Since there is little soil in pots and flowerpots, it must be fed with mineral complexes twice a month. Regular addition and light loosening of the soil is required to improve the aeration of the horse system.
For the winter, flowers in pots are also cut off and sent for a dormant period to a cool but lit place.
You can grow Chinese cloves in the open field and on the balcony. Planting a plant with proper care will quickly give the result in the form of beautiful flowers, as in the photo.
Features and varieties of Chinese carnation
Chinese carnation can be found on almost every personal plot. Its unpretentiousness and bright colors of long flowering have done their job - the plant has gained immense popularity among flower growers. The variety of this flower is amazing.
The color palette of Chinese carnation is very diverse.
The plant came to Europe from China, from where it got its name. Chinese carnation is a perennial plant growing in a bush. Some varieties are grown as an annual crop. Initially, the Chinese carnation was characterized by variegated burgundy strokes on the petals. Currently, the selection of Chinese carnations has about 300 species.
Separately, I would like to highlight the view Geddeviga lanciniatus, bred back in the middle of the 19th century by a St. Petersburg gardener. This species is also called the "bordered" carnation, because of the border along the edge of the flower petal.
carnation Geddeviga lanciniatus
Chinese perennial carnation grows in a compact or sprawling bush. The height of the bush is from 10 cm (dwarf varieties) to 50 cm. The stems are thin, smooth, with knots characteristic of the clove family. The leaves are straight, narrow, oblong in shape (some varieties have twisted leaves). Chinese carnation flowers are solitary, up to 5 cm in diameter (average 2-4 cm). The structure of the flower, depending on the variety, can be double, semi-double or simple. The edging of the petals has a fringe or teeth. Chinese carnation bushes bloom in white, pink, coral, raspberry, cherry. Some varieties combine several colors, diluting the main color with a darker or lighter edging and an “eye”. The variety of Chinese carnations can be seen in the photo.
The most popular varieties of Chinese cloves:
- "Diana";
Sort "Diana"
- "Schneebal";
- "Feuerbal";
- "Gelstrat";
- "Charm is a magical mixture."
Planting a Chinese carnation
The Chinese carnation develops well and actively blooms in warm, sunny or semi-shaded flower beds. Delightful bushes grow on the east (southeast) and west side of the site. In the shade, plant growth is possible, but the desired flowering effect is unlikely to be achieved.
If you plant a plant in the shade, it most likely will not bloom.
The soil for Chinese cloves is suitable loamy or sandy loam. Well-drained and moderately fertilized soil is limed before planting by adding lime or dolomite flour. Chinese carnation does not like excess moisture, and stagnant water will simply destroy the plant.
Important! Chinese carnation does not tolerate manured land and requires liming the soil.
Seedlings of carnations are planted in open ground in spring at an average air temperature of 20º, and the division of adult bushes is also possible in autumn. The distance between seedlings should not be less than 20 cm.
Propagation of Chinese carnation seeds
Chinese carnation reproduces in several ways:
- seeds;
- cuttings;
- layering;
- dividing the bush.
For annual varieties, only seed propagation is suitable. Perennial varieties of Chinese cloves can be propagated by all methods.
Chinese clove seeds
Clove seeds are brown in color and have an oblong shape. It is worth sowing them in March, although some flower growers start sowing as early as January. Peat ready-made soil mixtures are not recommended for growing carnation seedlings; it is better to take garden soil with the addition of river sand.
Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in succinic acid and slightly dried (do not dry completely). Moisten the soil in the seedling containers and sow the seeds. The seeding depth should be small, up to one and a half centimeters. A greenhouse effect is created in containers: cover them with film or glass.
Chinese clove sprouts
The optimum temperature for seed germination is 18-20º. The first shoots appear after 10 days, after which the film is removed, and the containers are placed in a well-lit place. If there is not enough light, and the seedlings began to stretch, illumination is necessary. When the first true leaves appear, the seedlings dive.
Important! Seedlings of Chinese carnation are affected by the black leg. Therefore, it is impossible to overmoisten the seedlings, and instead of watering, it is better to use spraying.
When the seedlings grow up and form 4-6 true leaves, they pinch it, thereby ensuring the splendor of the future bush.
Seedlings are planted outdoors in May, when the threat of frost has passed.
Cuttings and division of the Chinese carnation bush
Cuttings, as a way of propagating Chinese carnations, are quite simple. However, when cuttings, it is worth observing some rules.
Young bushes of Chinese carnation
- For harvesting cuttings, young shoots without buds are taken.
- The cuttings are cut into 2-3 nodes, the lower cut at a distance of 1 cm from the node. The upper part is cut off, and all the leaves are removed.
- Longitudinal incisions are made along the handle.
- The harvested material is germinated in containers with sand under cover (film or can). The temperature and humidity under the shelter should be constant.
Cuttings take root quickly enough. Higher bushes can not be cut, but propagated by layering. The principle of these methods is the same, but the layers are not cut off, but bent to the ground and covered with earth.
By dividing the bush, only some varieties of Chinese carnations with a fibrous root system reproduce. All properties mother bush are preserved during such reproduction. In spring or autumn, the bush is dug up, and the rhizome is carefully divided so that at least 3 growth buds remain in each part.
Chinese carnation care
Like any cultivated plant, the Chinese carnation needs care.
Several times during the season, Chinese cloves need to be fed with mineral fertilizers.
Fertilizer. With top dressing of Chinese cloves, you should be careful. The plant does not tolerate manure, so it cannot be used as a fertilizer. Potash and complex mineral fertilizers for garden flowers, they are applied 2-3 times per season (spring and mid-summer). In the second year of carnation growth, calcium supplements are needed.
Watering. Chinese carnation tolerates moderate drought well. Therefore, it is better to skip watering than to flood the plant. After each watering, the soil around the bush is weeded, thereby providing air access to the roots.
Diseases and pests. Chinese carnation, with improper care, is affected by many fungal diseases: fusarium, rust, root rot, etc. Having noticed the first signs of the fungus, remove the plant, and treat the place of growth with special means.
Aphids on carnation leaves
Of the pests, the Chinese carnation is afraid of spider mites and aphids. IN preventive measures plants are treated with Bordeaux mixture.
For abundant flowering, wilted shoots are cut off throughout the summer. For the winter, the green part is cut off, leaving 10 cm above the soil level. Outdoor planting and care Chinese carnation does not require special skills.
The use of Chinese carnations in landscape design
Many varieties allow Chinese cloves to be widely used in landscape design. bright flowers will become a decoration along the path, border the flower beds. Varieties of different heights can be used in mixboards and on discounts.
Making a flower bed with Chinese carnations
The Chinese carnation will also decorate the rock garden. For landscaping balconies and arbors, Chinese carnations are planted in flowerpots. Photos with Chinese carnations simply beckon you to create your own, designer and unique composition in the garden.
Marigolds, non-flowering green plants, forget-me-nots look great as carnation partners. In flowerpots, planting carnations with pansies together gives a stunning effect. But the neighborhood with tulips is not recommended, due to the defeat of plants by the same diseases.
Combination different varieties clove chinese
Chinese carnation is worthy of attention. Frost-resistant, unpretentious care culture pleases long flowering and a riot of colors.
Chinese carnation: video
Types and varieties of Chinese carnation: photo
Chinese carnation has long been a favorite of gardeners and landscape designers. Its lush and colorful bloom leaves no one indifferent, and its relatively simple care provides enough reason to decorate your country cottage area, the territory in front of the entrance, or at least the window sill of the apartment. The variety of bud colors and unpretentiousness have made the Chinese carnation one of the most popular flowers, and in this article you will learn all about its cultivation.
As you might guess from the name, China is the birthplace of Chinese carnation, from where it first came to Europe, and then, through the efforts of local gardeners and breeders, spread throughout the world. The stems of the flower grow up to a maximum of 50 cm in height and are covered with paired narrow and long leaves, in some varieties they can twist slightly, forming bizarre curls and increasing the decorative qualities of the plant. There are several dwarf species that grow no more than 15-17 cm in height. Blooms from early June to mid-August. The color of Chinese carnation flowers can be very diverse: white, pink, scarlet, burgundy, purple. But this species can be distinguished by one characteristic feature - on all the petals there are small slits and stripes of a bright burgundy color. This is a perennial plant that often behaves like a real annual - it blooms very luxuriantly and brightly, after which a dormant period begins. Carnation can overwinter a favorable mild southern winter, but in middle lane It is not recommended to leave it in the ground in Russia, and even more so in the north. That is why many gardeners grow it as an annual plant. hybrid formsAt first, the perennial Chinese carnation differed from other varieties in bright burgundy speckles on the petals, but when it became widespread and European breeders became seriously interested in the flower, the varieties increased significantly. The plant has been known to the world since the beginning of the 18th century, and during this time flower growers have received a great many varieties that differ in height, flower color, whimsicalness, vitality and endurance. Modern breeders focus on obtaining dwarf flowering varieties and hybrids that grow in the form of spherical bushes with many small flowers. Work is also underway to extend the flowering period.
The Chinese carnation has a very compact root system, so it can be easily transplanted from a container into open ground without fear of severe injury. They make excellent edging for small flower beds and live borders. Also thanks to this feature undersized varieties and hybrid forms of the plant are great for growing at home. The size of the flowers depends on the variety and can be very different, as well as the structure (there is a non-double, semi-double and double Chinese carnation).
A lot of work is being done on carnation breeding foreign companies, and new fancy shapes are constantly appearing on the market. In the middle of the 19th century, Geddewig's species lanciniatus was bred, which is also known as the "bordered" carnation, because it has a border at the end of the petals. This variety looks very beautiful both on its own and in combination with other plants.
To the most popular varieties Chinese cloves can be attributed to Diana (pictured below), Schneebal, Gelstrat, Feuerbal and Charming magic mixture.
Growing technologyGrowing Chinese carnations is quite simple, and even a novice gardener can handle this job. Despite the fact that this perennial flower, most of its species are grown as an annual, since sowing seeds or planting seedlings every spring is much easier than working with one plant, protecting it from frost. The plant is quite capable of overwintering warm winter, but even experienced meteorologists cannot predict the weather, so it is better to trust the experience of specialists and grow seedlings, especially since it is much cheaper than buying it in stores. Seedlings of Chinese carnations are grown from seeds in containers or immediately sown in open ground. The plant feels best in a draft-free and well-lit area (slight shade is acceptable). The best option V this case- whether the eastern south-eastern side of the site. If you plant a carnation in the shade, it will grow and develop, but you are unlikely to achieve lush flowering.
Chinese carnation seedlings should be planted in the ground in April, May, when the times of night frosts have already passed, and the daytime temperature does not fall below + 18C. reproductionThe Chinese carnation propagates by seeds and vegetative methods: cuttings, layering and dividing the bush. We remind you that the seeds of some varieties and hybrid forms are expensive, but it is still cheaper than buying similar seedlings, so you save anyway.
Annual varieties can only be propagated by seeds; for perennial varieties, any method is suitable. Carnation seeds are quite small, oblong in shape. They are sown in the ground in mid-March, but in the southern regions this can be done already at the end of January. In this case, it is better not to use peat soil mixture, but take ordinary garden soil and add some river sand there for better drainage. Before planting the seeds in the ground, they must be properly prepared - the germination and intensity of plant development depends on this. First, soak the seeds in succinic acid, then dry a little, but do not dry completely. Moisten the soil in the container, make shallow grooves about 1.5 cm and put the seeds there at a small distance from each other. Then sprinkle the grooves with earth, moisten again with a spray bottle and cover the container with film or glass to create the effect of a greenhouse. Place the seeds in a room with a constant temperature of about 20C and wait for the first shoots - they will appear in about 10 days. At this time, you need to periodically open the container for ventilation and, as necessary, gently moisten the soil. Do not get carried away with watering, as waterlogging the soil can provoke a black leg carnation! When sprouts appear, the film or glass must be removed completely, and the container itself must be rearranged on the windowsill or on the balcony in order to Sun rays fell on him 4-5 hours a day.
With the advent of a couple of first true leaves, you can start diving seedlings, and when each plant has 4-6 leaves, you need to pinch the tops so that the bushes do not grow up, but in breadth - so they will turn out lush and elegant. With the onset of May, seedlings can be planted in open ground. At this time, night frosts are no longer terrible, and the weather becomes warm.
If you plan to propagate Chinese cloves by cuttings, remember a few simple rules:
If you follow these simple recommendations, the cuttings will take root very quickly and take root easily anywhere. This method is more applicable for undersized and medium-sized types of carnations, but for high ones, propagation by layering is optimal. In this case, you also need to choose stems without buds, but do not cut them off, but simply pin them to the ground, digging in this place to a shallow depth. As for the division of the bush, this method is practiced quite rarely and only for some varieties of carnations that have a fibrous root system, since only in this case can all varietal characteristics be preserved. mother plant. It is necessary in the fall (after the end of flowering) to dig a bush, clean it of excess earth and carefully divide it into parts so that at least 3 growth points (buds) remain in each of them. CareCaring for Chinese carnations is not that difficult compared to many cultivated plants. Particular care should be taken with fertilizers - the flower does not really like a large amount of organic matter and reacts to it very painfully. Most of all, the carnation does not tolerate fresh manure, so it should be immediately excluded from top dressing and crops that need such fertilizer should not be planted nearby. Potash and mineral mixes are required for Chinese carnation 2-3 times per season: when planting in spring, before flowering and during flowering in summer. If you grow a perennial bush, then in the second year of his life you need to apply calcium fertilizer.
The buds on the bushes do not bloom at the same time and also fade in different time, therefore, for more lush flowering, already wilted flowers must be carefully cut with garden shears. Then, under favorable conditions, the carnation can please you with repeated flowering. For the winter, the entire ground part must be cut off, leaving only 10 cm of the stem sticking out. The flower garden needs to be insulated with mulch, spruce branches, fallen leaves or covered with lutrasil. Carnation needs very moderate watering, and it will tolerate a lack of moisture more easily than an overabundance. Moderate drought is acceptable, but it is not worth accustoming the plant to such a diet, because in this case it will get used to directing all its forces not to flowering, but to obtaining food. After each watering session, weed the ground around the bushes to ensure proper aeration of the roots and prevent the appearance of root nematodes. But nematodes visit carnations quite rarely, unlike garden aphids and spider mites. At the first sign of damage, the plant must be treated chemicals or soapy water. As an effective prevention experienced gardeners spray flower beds with Bordeaux mixture. Improper care (excess moisture, a lot of organic fertilizers) lead to the development of fungal diseases: fusarium, rust, root rot. Planting a Chinese carnation on your site will be one of the most correct decisions. The plant does not require particularly careful care and fully rewards attention to itself with a lush and colorful flowering that lasts all summer and part of autumn. This is a fertile material for beginners and experienced landscape designers and just amateur gardeners, even if the platform for their creative activity is limited to a window sill in a city apartment. Chinese carnation: photo
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Chinese carnation is a beautiful perennial plant. True, in regions with a temperate climate, it is grown as an annual. Chinese carnation has been used in landscape design for more than three hundred years (counting back to 1702). And it is not surprising that during this time many interesting varieties were bred.
Any carnation looks good in flowerbeds and borders, in containers displayed on balconies and terraces. clove mixture different shades can be grown in the Alpine mountains, since such plants take root well on stony soils.
General information
Chinese carnation is a relatively low flower with a straight standing stem and narrow lanceolate leaves of a rich green hue (in some varieties they have a twisted shape). The plant forms bushes up to 0.5 m high. But there are also dwarf varieties with a bush height of only 15 cm. It blooms from July until late autumn, so it will be a welcome crop in any garden, pleasing to the eye when most plants are already withering. However, much depends on the region. In more severe climates, the carnation will only bloom until August-September.
Her flowers are single or collected in "bouquets" of 4 pieces. The description of the plant would be incomplete without mentioning the color of the petals. Initially, the Chinese carnation was not distinguished by a special richness of the palette - there were only the usual colors: red, white, bright pink. But for long years selection bred varieties with the most fantastic color - purple, white-red, cherry, pearl white, almost always with a contrasting stripe along the edges of the petals. You can also find a variegated variety in which several shades are mixed.
The flowers of the plant are very beautiful. There are varieties with the usual finely serrated edges or deeply dissected. At one time, both terry and semi-double forms, as well as varieties with feathery petals, were bred. Interestingly, terry hybrids can bloom longer than regular varieties, up to 5 months. But flowering begins a little later, somewhere at the end of July.
There is one more beautiful plant- Turkish (or bearded) carnation. It differs from Chinese in the presence of bracts. The variety of cloves is amazing. In the garden you can grow the most different types and varieties.
The most popular varieties
Today, in shops and garden centers you can find seeds of a wide variety of varieties. In total there are about three hundred of them. The most popular include:
- 1. Diana - not terry variety, growing in bushes of medium "growth" - up to 25 cm in height. Compact culture, flowering from July to September.
- 2. Supra is a non-double spreading variety that blooms from July to October.
- 3. Grace is a beautiful terry variety. The bushes are sprawling, quite high - up to 30 cm, sometimes more. Blooms from July to October.
- 4. Ideal select - a profusely flowering variety, usually grown as a biennial. The height of the bushes is 20-25 cm, the diameter of the flower is on average 4 cm (quite a lot for this type of carnation).
- 5. Dulse - a mixture of Chinese and Turkish velvet carnations with very beautiful and unusual flowers.
- 6. Lilipot is a dwarf variety that fully corresponds to its name. Bred Japanese breeders. Without treatment with growth regulators, it will remain compact. A small shrub suitable for growing in pots. Flowers can be not only pink or red, but also lavender and even orange.
- 7. Chibo - another mixture of Chinese and Turkish cloves. It has a very long flowering, until mid-November.
- 8. Super Parfight - a very beautiful hybrid with two-tone large flowers. The bushes themselves are compact, but well branched. They can also be grown in pots on the balcony.
Finally, such an option as terry carnation mix is popular, when you can grow flowers of various shades from seeds packed in one bag.
Although Chinese carnation is a perennial, many hybrids were originally bred as annuals.
cultivation
Whether it be a garden carnation or a home grown form on a balcony, it is very unpretentious plant, which even a novice florist can handle. Annual varieties reproduce exclusively by seeds. Perennials can be propagated by cuttings and division of the bush.
At home, seedlings are grown as follows. Cook first suitable box or a container (if some flowers have already been grown in it, it needs to be disinfected), a drainage layer is arranged at the bottom. Chinese carnation prefers well-drained, slightly calcareous soil. So the soil should be light and already moist before the seeds are planted there. You can prepare the soil yourself by mixing peat with leafy soil and sand, or buy it ready-made in the store.
Sowing is done in early spring. Seeds are planted in moistened soil and covered with a thin layer of the same soil on top, and then the container or box is covered with paper or film (in last case, due to the fact that the material does not allow air to pass through, regular ventilation is necessary). The temperature for seed germination should be 16-20 degrees. The soil needs to be slightly moistened so that it does not dry out.
Growing from seeds is not difficult. Usually sprouts appear within ten days, and soon they are already picking. But it should be noted that after the first shoots appear, the temperature in the room where the seedlings are grown should not exceed 15 degrees. So it is better to leave the plants on an insulated balcony or loggia.
It is very important that the soil stays moist but not wet. In areas with a warm climate perennial varieties can be transplanted into open ground in the summer, and where conditions are more severe, they are first transplanted into a greenhouse.
Chinese cloves can also be grown outdoors. No need to sow directly into flower beds. It is better to choose a place for seedlings, from where already grown seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent bed. This plant is not afraid of light frosts, so you can sow cloves as early as May. It will grow best in light partial shade, but direct sunlight is also suitable for these flowers. The flower bed should be set up in an area with good drainage.
Before planting, it is still recommended to harden the seedlings for some time, two weeks should be enough for this. To do this, first you just need to open a window in the room, then start taking out the containers with plants on the balcony or terrace. Time spent outdoors should increase gradually.
When transplanting seedlings into the soil, you need to calculate the distance between them. Much depends on the variety, but it is recommended to follow the general rule - the distance between the bushes should correspond to their intended height. For dwarf varieties, this is 10-15 cm, for undersized varieties - about 20 cm, and for large varieties- about 30 cm. In order for the bushes to branch well in the future, you need to pinch the top of the seedlings over the fourth pair of leaves.
We each have our favorite flowers. It is a thankless task to say which flower is better, which is worse. All of them are good and all are unique. But the Chinese carnation really has features due to which it can be recommended to everyone. Her bright flowers all colors and shades are able to decorate a flower bed, border, balcony, facade, whatever! She has a long and abundant flowering. She is easy to care for. If you do not yet have Chinese carnations in your garden, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the features of its cultivation and the variety of varieties. Without a doubt, this flower will become one of the most desirable for you.
Name etymology
This plant is called carnation in Russia. In Latin, his name is Dianthus, which means "divine flower." It is believed that Jupiter and Zeus loved cloves. And her appearance in the world is associated with Artemis. The myth tells that scarlet carnations appeared from drops of blood of a shepherd, whom the goddess of hunting, in the heat of her anger, punished for singing. The whole history of the rise of carnations to the Olympus of popularity is somehow connected with wrestling. French revolution, our October, World War II - this proud beautiful flower invariably became their symbol.
Chinese carnation is a more peaceful representative in the clove family. As the name implies, it came to Europe from China, although Korea and Mongolia are also considered its homeland. First hallmark of this kind were burgundy strokes on the petals, but for more than 300 years of active breeding, many varieties with monochromatic petals have appeared. There have been changes in her life cycle. At home, it is a perennial. We also grow Chinese cloves as a biennial or annual.
Description
Chinese carnation is a bushes from 10 to 50 cm high, which form thin green stems. Some varieties have characteristic nodules on them. Carnation leaves are elongated, thin, pointed at the ends. There are species with slightly twisted leaves. There are varieties with more small leaves and with wider ones. There is a simple, terry and semi-double Chinese carnation. The photo below shows a Grans Favourite terry carnation.
In an ordinary corolla, it consists of 5 petals, which have a fringe or notches at the ends. In terry species, the entire flower is a group of petals. Their color is white, pink, red, purple, burgundy, lilac and even blue. There are many species with two-color petals (light or, conversely, dark edges or middle). The size of the flowers depends on the variety and varies from 1 to 4 cm in diameter. Chinese clove seeds are slightly elongated and can be damaged by careless handling.
Growing features
Chinese carnation, as mentioned above, was originally a perennial. In the first year after sowing, such plants, as a rule, do not bloom, but only form a healthy strong bush. Breeders have bred many varieties of annuals that bloom in the first year, within a few weeks after germination, and delight in flowering until frost. Growing Chinese cloves is not difficult, but it requires attention. This flower is somewhat capricious in the choice of soil. You can't stick it anywhere.
In order for the plant to please the eye, it needs to provide soil with good drainage, without stagnant water. In addition, regular feeding is required throughout the summer. Without them, the carnation will also bloom, but poor. You can plant it in the sun or in partial shade, it will bloom magnificently there and there. In the shade, the plant will also not die and may even throw out a couple of buds in a season, but it will not have a look. The root of Chinese carnation has time to grow over the summer. Therefore, so that the plants do not interfere with each other, they should be planted at a distance closer than 20 cm. Another scourge of dense plantings is poor air access. Carnations are propagated by seeds (all types) and by dividing the bush (perennials).
Reproduction by seeds in open ground
Chinese carnation care is not too complicated. However, you need to try so that they generally begin to grow on the site. In conditions temperate climate more commonly used are annual Chinese carnations. Grow them from seeds. The complexity of the process lies in the observance temperature regime And proper watering. It is difficult to achieve this in the open field, therefore, cloves are rarely sown immediately on the garden bed. If it so happened that there is no other way out, we can recommend the following: before sowing, soak the seeds for 20 minutes in a solution of succinic acid (dilute according to the instructions), let them dry a little, but do not dry completely. You can blot them with a paper towel. In the garden, select all the roots of weeds, loosen, you can add a little lime. Make rows no deeper than 1-2 cm.
Mix prepared seeds with agrovermiculite and carefully sift in rows. Sprinkle a little agrovermiculite on top. Moisturize. The soil should be exactly moist, and not flooded with water. For seed germination, the soil temperature should be +15 ... +18 degrees. The air temperature is about +20. To avoid daily temperature fluctuations, cover the rows at night with a film or build a greenhouse over them. Seedlings should appear in 3 weeks. When they grow a little and get stronger (a couple of true leaves appear), they must be carefully thinned out by picking and planting at the right distance from each other. By the way, in regions with moderately cold winters, self-seeding of cloves is possible, which usually gives good germination.
Chinese carnation. Landing and care. Photo when propagating seedlings
To avoid all these difficulties, it is wiser to grow Chinese cloves from seeds at home, and then plant them in open ground. They do this in March, although some authors advise sowing seeds as early as January. Containers are prepared (ordinary bowls can be used) in this way: any drainage is placed on the bottom and the container is filled with soil (garden soil with sand, vermiculite can be added). Clove seeds are placed on the ground, sprinkled with vermiculite (it promotes seed germination). The bowls are placed on the window, where it is light, but not hot. The air temperature must be maintained up to +20. The soil in the bowls must be moist at all times. In the house, the seeds can not be covered. When sprouts appear, the bowls must be transferred to a room with a temperature of +15 ... +17 degrees, so that the seedlings do not stretch upwards much. The grown seedlings dive into separate containers, where they continue to grow (see photo) and can even throw out the color before planting in open ground. Carnations are planted in a flower bed when there are no more return frosts.
Reproduction by cuttings
If a Chinese perennial carnation fell into your hands, it can be propagated by cuttings. It is very easy. Shoots without buds are used, on which there are from 3 to 4 leaf nodes. The stalk is cut off, stepping back from the lower node to 1 cm, the leaves are removed from it and a couple of longitudinal cuts are made on the node. The remaining leaves are also removed, and the topmost ones are shortened. The prepared stalk is placed in calcined (cooled) sand, watered and covered with a film (you can use a jar). The humidity of the air below it should be constant. Sand also should not dry out. Roots are formed already in the third week. If the carnation is high (50 cm), you can not cut off the cuttings, but bend them to the ground, having previously made cuts on the knot. It is necessary to pin such a layer with something and sprinkle it with earth. Water.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
This easy way makes it possible to obtain a new plant with the preservation of all the properties of the mother (terryness, color of the petals), but is suitable for a small part of the species, since flowers (Chinese carnation reproduces easily, but growing from seeds is still a priority) most often have a taproot that cannot be divided . If the species forms good rhizomes, you can try to get a new plant by dividing the roots. Optimal time for this - spring, before flowering. The plant is carefully dug out of the ground, the rhizome is divided so that at least 3 live buds (sprouts) are obtained on each site and planted in prepared holes.
Further care
Seeds sprouted safely, seedlings are dived into separate containers and grow up. What to do next? What should be in order to become a lush Chinese carnation, planting and care? The photo below shows one of the options for the correct fit.
In order for the carnation bushes to begin to bush, even at the seedling stage, they pinch the tops of the stems. Young plants are planted in the sun or in partial shade. Watering is provided very moderate. Only in extreme heat it is increased, but moisture stagnation is not allowed. Like everyone cultivated plant, the carnation needs weeding. For more lush flowering, it needs to be fed. Do this 2-3 times per season (some gardeners recommend up to 3 times a month). Mostly potash fertilizers or complex fertilizers are used for carnations. For long flowering, faded buds are cut from the bushes. By August, tall varieties can be pruned a little to rejuvenate the bushes. For the winter, biennial and perennial carnations cut off the green part, leaving stems up to 10 cm. severe frosts they need to be covered.
Diseases and pests
Usually, Chinese carnation grows without problems, planting and caring for which are carried out correctly. These flowers have few pests. Waterlogging, dense plantings, overfeeding with fertilizers, potassium deficiency and an excess of nitrogen in the soil contribute to the appearance of diseases. Carnations, together with tulips, are affected by the same fungal diseases, so it is better not to plant them nearby. It is also not recommended to grow carnations for more than 5 years in one place, or the beds should be treated with fungicides in the fall. When red or dry spots appear on the carnations, as well as when the bushes wither, regardless of watering, diseased plants must be destroyed, and the place should be treated with antifungal drugs. spider mite and other pests to destroy insecticides.
landscape design
For its pomp and multicolor, Chinese carnation has become popular. The photo above shows how it looks along the track. Low varieties are often used to decorate such living borders, as well as to border flower beds, to give picturesque facades. They are also grown on alpine hills, but in this case one should not forget about top dressing and soil fertility. Just among the stones or in the sand, the carnation will not grow. This flower is ideal for decorating balconies. Carnations are also planted in flowerpots. This "place of residence" is especially convenient for perennials. In order not to turn a perennial carnation into an annual in climatic zones with harsh winters, it is recommended to cover it in the fall, before frosts. To do this, spruce branches are laid on the stems remaining after trimming, and a film is placed on top. And then the whole structure is covered with earth.
Species diversity
There are about 300 species in the genus of carnations, and in almost each of them there are dozens of varieties. Even just listing them all in one article is impossible. Breeders are actively inventing something new. In relation to the Chinese carnation, there is truly no limit to fantasy! Varieties with simple flowers, and Chinese terry carnation. She is cared for by general rules. Growing it from seeds can upset the production of non-double inflorescences, but in general it does not cause difficulties, and it pleases with flowering a little longer than varieties with simple five-petal corollas.
