Carnations

Carnations are broadly classified into four groups namely

(i) Border and Picotee (ii) Chabaud or Marguerite (iii) Malmaison (iv) Perpetual flowering.

Harvesting of Carnation flowers depend on the size of bud and growth of petals. Standard Carnations are harvested when they are half open and the first petal lays horizontally or at paint brush stage. Spray types are harvested when at least two flowers have opened and remaining buds are showing colour.

Care needs to be taken of Carnations in various aspects - irrigation, fertilization and other areas.

a) Irrigation : Rooted cuttings should be watered immediately after planting. Spraying of water through misting has been found to be more effective than the surface watering for early establishment of the cuttings. After three weeks of planting, drip irrigation has to be adopted . Frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions and the soil type. Stagnation of water should be avoided to minimize the incidence of diseases.

Climate and soil: Carnations perform best in relatively cool climate. It is a long day plant requires approximately 21.5 K lux sunshine for at least 8 hours a day. Temperature is a major factor that influences the growth and flowering, colour, grade and the quality of cut flowers.

Carnation flowers are among the top ten cut flowers worldwide. Flowers of Carnation are valued for its keeping quality, wide array of colours and forms and ability to rehyderate after long transportation. These qualities form the basis of many floral arrangements and mixed bouquets.