Page 8 - AWA Vol.37 No.4

CROP PROTECTION

CULTIVATION OF CARNATIONS

popular. As an example a selection of
the most popular varieties by colour
and grown for production of standard
carnation blooms in India are: Domingo
DR. TERRY MABBETT (red), Baltico (white), Dona (pink), Diana
(yellow) and Solar (orange).
Carnations are one of the biggest and
best lines of cut flowers in the inter- Propagation and planting
national flower trade. Most species of of carnations
Dianthus (carnations) originate in the
Mediterranean region of Europe and Terminal cuttings for propagation are
western Asia but carnations are now Spray carnations are unrivalled treated with the plant hormonal prepara-
grown worldwide in commercial flori- amongst cut flowers for their intensity tion NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) at a
of colour (Picture Dr Terry Mabbett)
culture. Carnations tend to do best in concentration of 500 ppm for 5 minutes
cooler climates but can be successfully The carnation (Dinathus) to induce the formation of adventitious
grown in cooler highland regions of the roots. Cuttings are dipped in a liquid
tropics. However, successful commercial Carnation plant leaves are typically preparation of an appropriate fungicide
cultivation in such high rainfall areas narrow and greyish-green in colour with to protect the newly planted cuttings
requires cultivation under open-sided a waxy surface. Flowers may be pro- from soil-borne fungal pathogens and
plastic shelters, open-ended poly-tun- duced singly or in clusters or cymes of disease. Cuttings are planted in previ-
nels; or shade netting where hot sun up to 5 flower heads. Flower diameter ously prepared raised soil beds of 90
rather than heavy rain is a problem and may range from 1 to 5 cm depending on to 100 cm wide and 30 to 45 cm high
all to protect the quality of the delicate species and whether crops are grown for and spaced at intervals of 90 cm. Plant
carnation buds and blooms. single, large standard blooms or sprays. spacing comprises 6 rows of plants with
Many traditional varieties (cultivars) rows 15 cm apart and 15 cm between
have a superb, clove-like scent although plants in the same row. This should es-
that has been lost from many modern tablish a plant density of 25 plants per
varieties as plant breeders continue to square metre. Planted carnation cuttings
select heavily for other characters like should have developed a sound root
plant vigour and flower petal colour. system and be well established within
3 weeks of planting.
Commercial floriculture recognises
three types of carnation plant/flower Recommended growing conditions
product which are: within this critical plant establishment
period are: daytime temperature 20 to
• Standard carnations – a single large
Carnations require rigid support to 25°C; night-time temperature 10 to 15°C,
bloom on one individual stem and pro-
stop the stems bending over (Picture duced mainly for the cut flower trade with a R.H. of 50 to 60 per cent and a crit-
courtesy Lina Fernanda Loaiza) ical photoperiod of 13 hours. Watering
• Spray carnations – smaller and more is via micro-irrigation (trickle irrigation)
compact flower heads forming a clus-
Of course the ideal way to produce ter or bunch of blooms on short lateral
carnations irrespective of prevailing branches of a single stem. Also for the
climate and weather is inside environ- cut flower trade
mentally-controlled greenhouses. Ideal
climatic requirements for carnations are • Micro carnations – these have shorter
a cool climate with daytime temperature stems and higher density of blooms,
of 18 to 24°C and night-time temperature and are used mainly as ornamental pot
of 10 to 15°C. The most suitable Relative plants or in flower beds and to deco-
Humidity (R.H.) falls within the 70-75 rate patios.
per cent range. Under environmentally The range of colours in commercial
controlled conditions carnations can carnations is truly wide with almost
be successfully grown throughout the every imaginable range of red, pink, Standard carnation varieties come in
year. Well-drained red loamy soils with purple, orange, yellow, as well as white, a truly outstanding array of colours
a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 are ideal. and with bicolour types increasingly (Picture Dr Terry Mabbett)

6 Vol. 37 No. 4