How to plant Chinese clove seeds. Growing Chinese clove from seeds

Chinese carnation is a short-lived perennial plant. Most cultivars are of hybrid origin and are usually grown as annuals. Popular with gardeners due to its versatility and ease of maintenance. Easy to propagate by seeds.

How to sift seeds

Indoor Chinese clove seeds sow in early February, 6-8 weeks before the last spring frosts. Scatter them on a sterile surface soil mixture well hydrated.

Seedlings require sterile soil.

Cover by polyethylene film and place in warm place(with a temperature of at least 15 ° C). Seeds germinate from three days to two weeks, on average 7 days. Constant soil moisture necessary condition for germination.

The soil mixture should be homogeneous, aerated free from pests, diseases and weed seeds.

Another task that needs to be solved before sowing is to sterilize the containers for planting.

Rinse them in a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water to kill potential pathogens that can weaken tender young seedlings.

Sterile substrate can be cook it yourself:

This combination also works well: half peat moss and half perlite, vermiculite or sand.

For grown seedlings better growth light and cool conditions are required (temperature about 10 degrees). Can you put them on a sunny windowsill or just below fluorescent lights in a well ventilated area.

The light received on a sunny windowsill is excellent for growing a variety

Within 3-4 months after sowing, young plants are ready for transplanting in the garden.

What is the difference between planting in the garden and at home

There are no particular advantages to growing Chinese clove from seed at home. But since many varieties are tender annuals, direct sowing is not applied to them until the last frost has passed.

The plant blooms during three months after planting. Biennial varieties, if planted in the garden, usually do not bloom the first year. They may not bloom until the following summer if the seeds are sown indoors as well. It is advisable to start planting earlier, stimulating flowering in the first year.

Carnation seeds are small, they are sown indoors in a small tray. As soon as they germinate, they make a pick - they are transplanted into separate containers.

Picking seedlings: what is it, when and how to do it

Pick - plant transplant from one place to another. A method that most often takes the form of growing a plant from seed under optimal conditions (indoors or a greenhouse), then transplanting it into an open area at favorable conditions environment.

It is not considered appropriate for all ornamental plants, since it carries a significant risk of damaging the root system. Different types react differently to picking.

In all cases, the main problem is prevention of transplant shock- Stress received in the process.

The benefits of picking include:

• increase in the growing season;
• protection of young plants from diseases and pests until they are strong enough.

Plants grown under protected conditions usually acclimatization period required(frost resistance). In addition, root disturbance must be minimized.

For this, plants are grown in peat pots or soil blocks. During the growth stage, when transplanting takes place, weather conditions are another important factor.

In the case of picking Chinese carnation seedlings, as soon as the first leaves appear, they are planted in peat pots (or blocks of pressed soil mixture) and left in a cool place.

Picking is one of milestones growing seedlings

When the time comes, grown and strengthened seedlings are planted in the garden at a distance of 25-30 centimeters apart, to the same depth. Top part the root system should be at the level of the soil surface.

Try not to bury any part of the stem to avoid stem rot! Unlike other plants, Chinese cloves are not mulched. The tender root tip and back stem require air circulation at all times and must be kept free from waterlogging.

How to sow seeds outdoors

Chinese carnation prefers well-drained, moderately alkaline soil. You may need to feed it with compost and manure. But the plant adapts well to dry, stony and even clay soils.

Loves the sun, but appreciates partial shade in hot summer weather. For planting, choose a place where the flowers will be in the sun for at least four to five hours a day.

Water the plant about once a week and feed every six to eight weeks with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer to encourage continued flowering.

Disembarkation at open ground more suitable for seedlings than for seeds

Seeds are sown in open ground after the last spring frost: at a distance of 25-30 centimeters from each other about 3 centimeters below the surface and sprinkle with sifted compost or vermiculite, slightly compacting the soil.

Until the seedlings germinate (this can take from 7 to 14 days), the soil is constantly moistened.

Reproduction of Chinese carnation

cuttings

In mid-to-late summer, stocky, non-flowering shoots are selected from the healthiest plants. Three or four pairs of leaves are counted from the tip of the shoot and cut very with a sharp knife or blade razors 5-6 mm below the "heel".

1. Place the cut in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out at any stage of the process;
2. After as many shoots as needed have been collected, the lower pairs of leaves are peeled off;
3. The cuttings are planted in a rooting container at a distance of about 3 centimeters from each other;

Each shoot is coated with rooting hormone, inserted into thoroughly moistened vermiculite (or a mixture of semi-perlite and vermiculite). They work carefully, without burying the heel and without erasing the hormonal powder (gel).

1. Once the container is full, it covered with plastic or glass and placed in a well-lit area, but shaded from direct sunlight (or under fluorescent lights).

The "lid" is removed after two or three days. The rooting mixture must be constantly moist. After about three weeks, the cuttings will begin to slightly turn the tips towards the light and grow, indicating the beginning of rooting.

When the root ball is about 3 centimeters in diameter (this may take several months), the shoots are transplanted into pots (10 centimeters in diameter) filled with well-drained soil, and transferred to a cool place until spring.

The division of the bush

When dividing the bush, the roots are carefully loosened with a hand fork, the plant is lifted and the stems are separated from each other. The strongest stem is selected as the main one for each new bush.

Diseases and pests

Most problems can be avoided by watering the plant properly. In excessively moist soil, the crown of the flower begins to rot.

Sticky layer on leaves sign of aphids infestation. Fine cobwebs on plants indicate an infestation with a red spider mite.

If you notice the defeat of aphids, you need to act immediately. Otherwise, neighboring plants are at risk of infection.

Slugs can also be a problem, especially in cooler climates. Slug traps placed around the plant are generally effective in controlling pests.

Brown, orange, or yellowish spots on shoots and undersides of leaves are very likely caused by fungal invasion. The affected parts are removed and a fungicide is used to treat.

General information about the flower

flower description

Carnation Chinese blooms with small pink, red or white flowers (some varieties are two-colored) 3-4 cm in diameter. The fringed flowers, solitary or several in compound umbels, look as if they have been clipped with garden shears.

The average plant reaches a height of 30 centimeters. The leaves are green or grayish-green in color, linear-lanceolate, 3-5 cm long and 2-4 mm wide, with a prominent midrib, slightly narrowed at the base, entire or serrated along the edge, pointed at the apex.

Height less than half a meter is typical for this variety

Stems are erect, with a branched distal part.

How long does it bloom

Flowers appear in late spring (May) or early summer (June); in regions with cool summers, the plant blooms later. Chinese carnation blooms for a longer period if regularly remove faded inflorescences.

The flowers are pinched off as soon as they begin to wilt, before they can produce seeds that shorten their life cycle.

The plant can be cut down to a third of its height, it will grow even more magnificently and give new buds, which will allow it to remain in full bloom in late summer, until September.

Popularity with gardeners and florists

Chinese carnation is widely cultivated as ornamental plant in various temperate regions of the world. Many varieties are available for decorating gardens.

The plant is easy to care for and looks beautiful, which is why it is very popular with professional flower growers and amateurs. The flowers range across a spectrum of pink.

Gardeners, practicing selection and hybridization for centuries, brought numerous varieties different shades:

• White
• Creamy
• Red
• scarlet
• Burgundy
• orange flowers
• with a contrasting color on the back of the petals.

Chinese carnation flowers are edible (a great garnish for a spring salad, and in the 19th century had a reputation as a mild antidepressant).

Common varieties: Terry Mix, Diana

Chinese carnation flowers are spicy fragrant, but many hybrids are odorless. Moreover, the aroma of cloves (even the most smelling varieties) can vary depending on the microclimate, season and time of day.

Most commercially available cultivars are shrubby compact plants, typically growing up to 20 centimeters tall, with a fairly long flowering period.

Sort Diana Sort Super Parfait Sort Terry Mix

Among the most common varieties:

Application in landscape design

Chinese carnation is a wonderful tool in landscape design. Ideal for border decoration; find their place on balconies and terraces.

Of the most different options choose varieties that are most suitable for a particular frost resistance zones.

"Diana", "Terry" are suitable for zones 3-9; "Super Parfait" works in almost all areas.

1. Creates a charming environment for roses;
2. In the cottage garden serves as a wonderful backdrop for lavender, artemisia, santolina, sage, other Mediterranean and northern European herbs with foliage gray- green shade; looks picturesque with coreopsis;
3. Dwarf varieties are an exceptional warrant for rock gardens; the plant is grown in containers or directly in the ground.

To get seeds, you need to let the flower develop seed pods. When ripe, they turn brown, dry out and split at the top. They are shaken over the container, collecting black tiny round seeds.

Landscaping gives a flight of fancy in terms of choosing varieties for planting

We talked about other varieties of this flower. For example, .

store in a cool dry place. You can leave the seeds to fall to the ground and in next year wait for new flowers to appear.

From a huge variety various kinds flowers, the Chinese carnation occupies a leading position. This plant comes in many varieties and species. Has a lot of advantages. A colorful inflorescence gives the owners a sense of celebration and comfort. Also, this flower can be grown not only in open ground, but also in small pots. In order to grow a beautiful and healthy plant, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics and the basic rules of care.

Quite a lot of people like to grow flowers in their backyards. Flowers in the yard not only give it beautiful view but also fill the air with pleasant aromas. Chinese carnation is a perennial plant of the clove family, which came to the domestic expanses of the southern regions of Primorsky Krai from Northern China. The plant is characterized by thin and cranked stems of bright green color. The average height of the stem reaches 40-50 cm. The foliage of the plant is long and narrow. The tips of the leaves are pointed. The arrangement of leaves on the stem is opposite. The foliage has a color from rich green to bluish green.

Most often flowers Chinese carnation single. Looking closer at the flowers, you can see that their edges are jagged. Carnation bloom is simple or double, depending on the variety and subspecies. Flowering occurs at the end of June and continues until the first frost. When the flowering process is underway, a box is formed filled with new seeds. A particularly favorite species among gardeners is the Chinese terry carnation. Its feature is slots and stripes on the petals. On a standing stem are narrow lanceolate leaves of a muted green color.

How to grow seedlings?

Annual types of carnations are bred only by seeds, and perennial varieties - by cuttings. There are several ways to grow Chinese cloves in your garden:

• purchase ready-made seedlings;
• cuttings of a bush (used only with perennial varieties);
• planting seeds in open ground.

The latter method is considered the most profitable for breeding this plant. It is recommended to plant seeds for seedlings in the spring. The month of March is considered the best time. To do this, you need to properly prepare the soil. In order to plant seeds for seedlings, use the usual garden soil, in which sand and vermiculite are added. You can also use the soil, which contains peat and humus.

At the bottom of the intended container, it is necessary to lay out a medium-sized drainage layer. After that, the container is filled with soil, which should be moistened before sowing the seeds. Seeds that fit in the container must be covered thin layer nutrient soil. After sowing, the soil with seeds is covered with a film. Growing from seeds requires regular maintenance of the temperature regime and timely soil moisture. When the first shoots appear, the film is removed, and it is recommended to move the container to a well-lit place.

In order for the plant to be healthy and give beautiful flowers, it is very important to ensure the correct and timely care of seedlings. Care is based on proper watering. It is necessary to water the sprouts after the soil has completely dried. Do not allow the foliage to wilt - this slows down growth and worsens the condition of the plant.

For dosed watering, you can use a spray bottle. As the flower develops, it is necessary to add fresh soil. The extra soil holds the thin and tender stems of the plant. At the end of May, when the weather outside begins to please with warmth, seedlings can be planted in open ground, but first you need to pick.

The picking process is carried out when the plant has more than 3 leaves. Each seedling must be carefully transplanted into a separate peat pot with a nutrient substrate. In order for the seedlings to get stronger faster and prepare for planting in open ground, it must be hardened.

There are many ways to harden off, but the simplest and most reliable is the removal of seedlings to Fresh air. Containers can only be taken out in calm weather. If you follow all simple rules cultivation, you can get a high percentage of germination of sprouts and beautiful and strong seedlings.

Landing in open ground

Chinese carnation, the cultivation of which does not require special conditions, is used as decoration and landscaping of the courtyard of a private house, flower beds and loggias. You can plant seedlings of this plant both in open ground and in flowerpots. The landing period starts from May and lasts until the beginning of June. Areas that are well lit are best suited. With a lack sunlight the stem of the carnation grows quite thin, and its flowering is short-lived and not too abundant.

Before planting, the soil must be well loosened and dug up. It is recommended to nourish the earth useful substances. Best of all in this role is humus. Chinese clove seedlings are planted in pre-prepared beds at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. In order not to damage the root system of the plant, seedlings are planted in peat cups or together with an earthy clod, which was formed in the process of growth of the sprout.

Since the carnation is a tall plant, it is necessary to take care of the stems in advance. To strengthen them after planting, you can install a special peg that will support the plants during the entire cycle. The process of planting Chinese carnations must be carried out carefully so as not to damage the stems and root system.

Chinese carnation care

Chinese carnation, like any other plant, needs quality care. Care includes several basic processes:

1. 1 In order for the carnation bush to be as lush as possible and reach large sizes, it is necessary to pinch the top. Pinching should be carried out over 2-3 pairs of leaves.
2. 2 Watering is the basis of care, so it must be carried out correctly and in a timely manner. Chinese cloves need to be watered once every 7 days. In the hot season, watering should be increased. Do not allow the bay and the formation of puddles. You need to water directly under the root. Water that has fallen on foliage or buds can cause the development of various diseases.
3. 3 For good development and growth, the plant needs top dressing. For Chinese cloves, a substrate, potassium and complex fertilizers are used. Fertilizers can be applied 1 time in 14-20 days. Fertilizers should be purchased at a specialized store. When preparing fertilizer, follow the instructions.
4. 4 To prolong the flowering period, dried stems and faded buds must be cut. Pruning is carried out with a sharp pruner at a distance of 15 cm from the ground. After a while, this bush will give new shoots.

It is very important to protect the plant from various diseases and pests that impair plant growth. The most dangerous diseases for Chinese cloves are:

• rust;
• fusarium;
• spotting;
• root rot;
• septoria;
• viral diseases.

So that diseases do not develop, it is necessary to monitor soil moisture, and remove affected plants from the site. To protect against pests, you can use Bordeaux liquid.

Chinese carnation is a bright and beautiful plant that can decorate any flower bed or flower garden. To grow it, you need to know when to plant and how to care for it. Carnation goes well with other types of flowers, which also grow in bushes. Against the background of carnation, iris and sage stand out very strongly. The best neighborhood of cloves is considered to be geranium, edelweiss and various ornamental cereals. Flower beds with carnations can be decorated with original stones.

669 03/10/2019 7 min.

Chinese carnation is a wonderful garden flower, which is a carnation familiar to us, however, in its more decorative version. The plant can be colored differently depending on the species: there are even very rare varieties, including maroon, almost black. The carnation Chinese remarkably fits into a garden landscape, and has universal application.

So, it can be planted in separate flower beds, used in group plantings: in any case, the flower will fit perfectly into the surrounding space. In the article, we will consider the features of growing Chinese cloves from seeds: we will find out exactly how the plant should be planted, and what features of care should be borne in mind.

Description and features

Chinese carnation is an unusual ornamental plant that surpasses its usual counterpart in the brightness of colors and the splendor of inflorescences. The use of this plant, as well as in garden design, is very wide: you can decorate borders, flower beds, flower beds, rock gardens, balconies, facades with Chinese carnations: in principle, anything. By the way, this plant is called carnation exclusively in our country. In global practice, it is known as the "divine flower".

As the name implies, the birthplace of the plant is China, as well as Mongolia and Korea. In our country, Chinese carnation is grown as an annual or biennial plant, although in its historical homeland it is a perennial.

Outwardly, Chinese carnations are compact bushes up to half a meter high. The stems of the plant are thin, sometimes knotty, the leaves are long, thin and sharp at the ends.

On the video - Chinese carnation:

Simple, semi-double and double varieties of Chinese carnation are known today: they all have a wonderful delicate color of the petals, sometimes defiantly bright.

The color of Chinese carnation petals is found in the following variants:

And this is what the seeds look like Turkish cloves, and how it is necessary to plant them in the ground, this will help to understand

Currently, breeders have brought out many other interesting shades of the plant: among them are even such unusual ones as black and blue. In addition to the monochromatic coloring option, Chinese carnation petals can be painted in two colors: with a decorative gradient transition. The size of the flower is usually about 3 cm in diameter, sometimes reaching 4 cm.

Growing seeds in open ground

Because of the need to comply with certain temperature regime and the regularity of watering from seeds in open ground, Chinese cloves are rarely grown. Usually, healthy and strong seedlings are prepared beforehand at home, which are then moved under the open sky: this way is more reliable, albeit more troublesome.

However, if you nevertheless decide to immediately plant the seeds in open ground, then it is recommended to pre-soak them for 20 minutes in a solution of succinic acid, and then, without drying them to the end, plant them in the ground. This procedure will strengthen the seeds and make them more resistant to disease.

It will also be interesting to learn how to plant Matthiola bicornuate with seeds:

After three weeks, on average, the first shoots appear. When two or three leaves appear on them, the seedlings must be dived, seated at the required distance from each other.

Growing with seedlings

To ensure guaranteed germination of Chinese cloves, it is recommended to grow them using the seedling method. In addition, for many cold Russian regions, this is generally the only method. Seeds are planted for seedlings already in March, although to speed up the start of flowering, you can do this in February, and even in January. But the latter options are only suitable for areas with a warm climate.

Seeds are placed in prepared containers filled with a mixture of garden soil and sand. You can also add vermiculite to the soil, which will accelerate germination. It is imperative to put a layer of drainage at the bottom of the container: the plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture.

After the seeds are placed in the ground, they are sprinkled a little with vermiculite, after which the containers are cleaned in a sunny, well-lit place (a windowsill on the south side is suitable). Soil compaction from above is not required. It is advisable to install several fluorescent lamps above the containers with seedlings, which can be very helpful in case of cloudy weather.

For successful germination, it is necessary that the temperature in the room be about +20 degrees, and the soil constantly remains moderately moist. Additional protection in the form of a film or glass is not required in this case.

After the appearance of sprouts, containers with seedlings must be moved to a room with a lower temperature - about + 15-17 degrees. Such a decrease in temperature is necessary so that the seedlings do not stretch too actively up.

Attention: Chinese carnation breeds well and self-seeding. If the seeds fell into the ground in the fall, then, having survived the winter, many of them will sprout safely in the spring: without any worries and hassle on the part of the gardener. The method is good, however, in this case, the carnation will grow spontaneously, as it should. Although for some picturesque garden designs this method is also suitable.

Care

Although under natural conditions the plant is a perennial, however, in our country it is grown mainly as an annual. I must say that growing this flower is not too difficult, and it is quite accessible even to inexperienced gardeners. What you need to pay attention to is the choice of soil: only in this respect does the Chinese carnation show some capriciousness. So, the plant needs well-drained soil that is not prone to stagnant water.

Chinese cloves, in addition, need to be fed: over the summer, you will have to fertilize several times. Without additional nutrition, the plant will bloom more poorly.

As for the choice of location, the flower will feel best in the sun, partial shade is also suitable. Completely shady places are not for Chinese carnation: in such places, decorative and lush flowering you won't have to wait.

On the video - how to care for flowers:

There is one nuance that gardeners need to know: the roots of Chinese carnations grow strongly and branch. So to underground root system not mixed up, it is recommended to plant carnation bushes at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other. And in order to ensure good lush bushiness, the tops of the stems must be pinched off at the seedling stage.

As for watering, it should be moderate, and in extreme heat more plentiful. Waterlogging of the soil and, moreover, stagnation of moisture in the soil, must be avoided.

A bed with Chinese cloves must be cleaned of weeds, weeding regularly. Top dressing should be carried out 2-3 times per season. But some gardeners recommend fertilizing more often, especially if the soil is not fertile. Fertilizers are used to feed cloves. potassium composition and also fit special formulations for clove varieties.

To ensure longer flowering, dried buds must be removed from the bushes. Closer to August, gardeners recommend cutting tall varieties of Chinese carnations to prolong the flowering period, rejuvenating the bushes.

If the plant is a biennial, then for the winter it needs to cut off the green top, leaving 10 cm long stems sticking out of the ground. It is advisable to cover these stems with leaves or dry grass so that the plant survives the frost safely.

Diseases and pests

A plant that is grown in compliance with the above recommendations, and which is properly cared for, usually develops without problems and is not susceptible to diseases. There are few pests that affect the Chinese carnation.

Everyone chooses favorites among a huge variety of flowers to your taste. Talking about which flower is better or worse is a thankless task. They are all, of course, good at least because they are unique. Chinese carnation has an original beauty and a number of characteristics that make it possible to recommend it for cultivation to every flower lover.

With these bright flowers of various shades, you can decorate anything: a flower bed, a building facade, borders, a balcony (they are good in container plantings, which makes them a mobile decoration). The flowering of the Chinese carnation is lush, quite long. The plant is easy to care for. If Chinese carnation has not yet settled on your site, most likely after a detailed acquaintance, it will become one of your favorites, you will want to give it a place in the garden.

When does Chinese carnation bloom?

The flowering period of Chinese carnation lasts from June to August. To date, the efforts of breeders are aimed at creating hybrids with earlier and longer flowering.

Flowers have a subtle fragrance. After flowering, slightly elongated seeds ripen; if handled carelessly, they can be damaged.

Chinese carnation grows in a bush with a height of 10-15 cm to half a meter. The stems are thin, erect, some varieties have characteristic nodules. Sheet plates elongated with pointed tops, arranged in pairs, depending on the variety, they can be narrow or wider, slightly twisted at the ends. Leaves and stems are green, may have a bluish coating.

Chinese carnation has been cultivated since 1702. It is a perennial plant, but under conditions middle lane In Russia, one- and two-year-old varieties are grown. Chinese carnation is also in demand in floristry: it is grown not only at an amateur level, but also on an industrial scale.

When to plant Chinese cloves in the ground with seeds

In the conditions of central Russia, annual varieties of Chinese carnation are most often grown, which is still better to grow through seedlings. Perennial or biennial varieties can be sown directly in the flower bed. It is possible to sow seeds immediately in the garden (in open ground) when the earth warms up to the range of 15-18 ° C, and the air temperature reaches 20 ° C. Approximately in time, such conditions occur in the second decade of May.

Before soaking the seeds for 20 minutes in a solution of succinic acid, which is prepared according to the instructions. Let them dry a little, but do not dry them completely, you can just blot them with a paper towel.

Dig up the area, remove weeds. Make beards 1-2 cm deep. Mix the treated seeds with agrovermiculite, carefully sow, sprinkle with agrovermiculite on top. Moisten the crops (preferably spray with a fine mist sprayer, as the soil should be slightly damp, not flooded). To protect daily temperature fluctuations, cover with a film on top at night or build a greenhouse over the crops.

Under these conditions, the seeds germinate for 3 weeks. When the seedlings grow and get stronger, they give a couple of real leaves, you need to thin out the crops, leaving a comfortable distance. Plants plucked for thinning purposes can be used as seedlings.

In regions with moderately cold winters, good self-sowing of carnations is noted.

Growing Chinese clove seedlings at home

Proceed to Chinese carnations for seedlings in late February-early March (some flower growers recommend sowing as early as January, if early spring is in your region). You will need a container or any wide container. Lay any drainage at the bottom, fill it with a universal substrate for growing seedlings, or prepare it yourself: garden soil with the addition of sand and vermiculite.

• Spread over the surface of the soil, sprinkle with vermiculite (it promotes seed germination), spray from a fine sprayer.
• Place the container with crops on a bright windowsill, keep the air temperature at 20 ° C, the soil should be constantly moist. Film may not be covered.
• When the sprouts appear, it will be necessary to lower the temperature to the level of 15-17 ° C so that they do not stretch.
• After the appearance of two true leaves, plant the sprouts in separate containers, where the seedlings will continue to grow until transplanted into open ground.
• When the plants grow up, pinch the tops, leaving 4 true leaves, and what is higher, cutting off with scissors. This will provoke the growth of side shoots and will allow you to get powerful bushes with abundant flowering.

It can be transplanted into the ground when the threat of return frosts has completely passed. Plants by this time can already throw out the color. A week before planting, harden the seedlings - first take them out into the garden for several hours, then increase the time until the seedlings are able to spend the night outside.

By transshipment of an earthen coma. The hole must be appropriate for this size. root collar is level with the soil surface.

How to pinch clove seedlings video:

Conditions for growing Chinese cloves in open ground

Chinese carnation is a perennial plant. As a rule, in the first year after sowing, a strong healthy bush is formed, and abundant flowering begins from subsequent seasons (in the first growing season a few buds may still appear). In addition, there are many annual varieties, giving flowering in the first year - they bloom a few weeks after sowing.

Carnation is not difficult, you should follow only a few recommendations. It all starts with choosing a place to land. In order for the plant to grow well, it is necessary to choose a drained area without stagnant moisture. Do not plant in lowlands; with a close occurrence of groundwater, build high bed. Chinese carnation feels great on cultivated garden soil. Loamy soils are ideal.

Can be planted outdoors sunny area and in partial shade - flowering is equally magnificent. To support the flowering process, it will not be superfluous to apply fertilizers. Before planting for digging, add humus or compost. In a strong shade, the plant is able to produce a small number of buds per season, but this does not carry much decorative effect.

Even in annual varieties, the rhizome has time to grow during the season. So that the plants do not interfere with each other, optimal distance between them is 20 cm. The thickening of the plantings leads to poor breathability, which can provoke disease damage.

Seed propagation is applicable to absolutely all plants, perennials can be propagated by dividing the bush.

Propagation of carnations by Chinese cuttings

The perennial Chinese carnation reproduces well vegetatively.

First, you can root the cuttings. Use shoots without buds that have 3-4 leaf nodes. Cut off the stalk, stepping back from the lower node about 1 cm, remove all leaves from it (the node) and make a couple of longitudinal cuts. Remove the rest of the leaves, and shorten the top ones by half. Plant the prepared stalk in pre-calcined sand, pour, cover from above glass jar or circumcised plastic bottle. The sand must not dry out. The cutting will take root after 3 weeks, then it can be transplanted into open ground.

Reproduction by layering

Tall bushes (0.5 m high) can be propagated by layering. To do this, make a hole, bend the stem to the ground, make incisions on the node - there should be contact with the soil in this place, fix the layering with a bracket, sprinkle with earth, the top of the shoot should be above the soil surface. Water throughout the rooting period. In the next season, separate the young sprout from mother plant and transplant.

The division of the bush

Reproduction by dividing the bush allows you to get several new plants that completely retain all the characteristics (terryness, color of the petals). The method itself is not difficult, but not suitable for all varieties. Most of them have a tap root, which cannot be divided. Varieties with well-developed rhizomes can be tried to divide. Optimal time is an spring time before the start of flowering. Carefully dig up the bush, divide it into several parts, each of which should contain three living points of growth. Plant the delenki in the prepared holes according to the size of the root system, squeeze the soil around the seedling with your palms, water it.

How to care for Chinese carnation outdoors

In order for the Chinese carnation bushes to begin to bush, it is necessary to pinch the tops of the stems at the seedling stage (see the video above).

After planting in open ground, Chinese carnation needs moderate watering, weeding, and periodic fertilization. Perennials need preparation for wintering.

How to water

Water Chinese cloves regularly and sparingly. In extreme heat, water more abundantly, but do not allow moisture to stagnate.

Periodically loosen the soil, remove weeds from the site.

How to feed

In order for the flowering to be lush, top dressing will be required. It is enough to feed 2-3 times per season (after the seedlings have taken root, at the beginning and during flowering). Some gardeners consider fertilizing up to 3 times a month acceptable. Give preference to potash and complex fertilizers, with a small dose of nitrogen.

pruning

Cut off faded buds from the bushes (you can leave a few to collect seeds). To rejuvenate perennial bushes (regarding half a meter), by August they can be cut a little.

Winter hardiness of Chinese carnation

In autumn, biennial and perennial carnations cut off the stems, leaving a length of about 10 cm above the soil surface. Mulch the plantings with dry leaves and cover with spruce branches, after snow falls, add a snowdrift.

Diseases and pests

Chinese carnation, with proper care, is not exposed to diseases and pests. The prerequisites for the appearance of diseases are waterlogging of the soil, thickening of plantings, overfeeding with fertilizers (an excess of nitrogen in the soil is especially harmful), or vice versa, potassium deficiency. Also, Chinese carnations are prone to the same fungal diseases as tulips - do not plant them nearby. It is not recommended to cultivate carnations in the same place for more than 5 years; for the purpose of prevention, plantings are treated with a fungicide in the fall.

If red or dry spots appear on the plant, the bushes wither regardless of watering, the affected plants will have to be destroyed (to avoid the disease of the rest), and the plantings must be treated with a fungicidal preparation.

Destroy spider mite or other pests, insecticide treatment will help.

Chinese carnation in landscape design

Due to the splendor and brightness of flowering, the Chinese carnation is loved by many flower growers.

Neat low bushes look great along garden paths, are used to border flower beds, create living borders, give picturesque facades. Island or bouquet planting against the backdrop of a lawn is a great option for using Chinese carnations in landscape design. When grown on alpine slide you need to take care of the nutrition of the soil.

Half-meter specimens will serve as background plants, you can combine different varieties, combining in height and color.

Chinese carnation is grown not only in personal plots, it can often be seen in parks and squares.

Origin of the name and a bit of history

This plant is called carnation in Russia. Chinese carnation (Dianthus chinensis) translated from Latin means "divine flower", the second component of the name is due to the country of origin. It was from China that she came to Europe, also to natural environment lives in Korea and Mongolia.

The origin of the carnation is shrouded in legend. She is divine because she was loved by Zeus and Jupiter. And the flowers appeared thanks to the wrath of Artemis, which fell upon the shepherdess. He annoyed the goddess of the hunt with annoying singing, this flower appeared from the drops of his blood. The whole history of the popularization of cloves is associated with struggle and grief. This beautiful proud flower, shining like a torch, became a symbol of great historical events(French Revolution, Great October, World War II).

Chinese carnation is a more “peaceful” representative of the Carnation family. Initially, the distinguishing features of the species were strokes of a burgundy hue on the petals. More than three hundred years of active breeding work has significantly diversified appearance plants. Many varieties appeared with a single color (white, pink, red, purple, burgundy, lilac and even blue) colors.

There are bicolor varieties: the edges of the petals are dark, or vice versa, the core is dark with a lighter shade towards the top of the petal. there is a simple, terry and semi-double form. A simple corolla consists of 5 petals, at the ends there are notches and a fringe; at double flower consists of several rows of petals. Depending on the variety, the diameter of the corolla varies between 1-4 cm.

The best varieties of Chinese cloves with photos and names

Varieties of Chinese clove with simple flowers enjoy the same popularity as the Chinese terry carnation. The care of the latter is also carried out according to general rules, in addition, there is a longer flowering.

Thanks to the work of breeders, the widest selection varieties:

Chinese carnation Diamond mix Dianthus ‘Diamond Mix’ photo

Brilliant - bushes 25-30 cm high, terry inflorescences, dark red hue;

Vesuvius - thirty-centimeter bushes flare with an orange-red tint of inflorescences;

Schneeball - a variety of Chinese carnation about 30 cm high, snow-white flowers, terry;

Tenderness - a plant with a height of 40-45 cm, flowers are terry, white;

Feuerball - plant height is 25-30 cm, double flowers of a bright red hue;

Snowfire F1 - the stems are stretched to a height of 20 cm, the flowers are semi-double, the colors are double: the eye is bright pink, then the shade is lighter;

Black and white - a variety with thirty-centimeter stems got its name because the inside of the petals is maroon, the outside is almost snow-white; double flowers.

Particularly popular series:

Charm F1 - profusely flowering carnations about 20 cm high, most often grown as a container crop. There are six pure shades: coral, red, pink, scarlet, white, they can also be mixed;

Parfait F1 - crumbs only 15 cm high, non-double flowers, large. The series has two varieties: Raspberry Parfait - a dark pink core turns into a dark pink shade of petals; Strawberry Parfait - rich pink eye, petals of a more delicate shade;

Telstar F1 - bushes 25-30 cm high. There are seven sub-cultivars:

Carnation Chinese Crimson charm Dianthus chinensis ‘Crimson Charm’ photo

Crimson - fiery red flowers;

Picotee - fiery red petals with a thin snow-white border;

Pink - soft pink shade;

Purple Picotee - purple petals with a white border;

Scarlet - bright red flowers;

White - snow-white flowers;

Telstar Mix - a mixture of shades.

Medicinal properties of Chinese cloves

In addition to decorativeness, Chinese carnation has a number of medicinal properties. Used only by traditional medicine. For the preparation of medicinal products (infusions, decoctions, oils), the ground part of the plant is mainly used, the roots are rarely used.

The medicinal properties of Chinese cloves are due to the rich chemical and biological composition of substances. Among them: glycosides, saponins, a number of alkaloids, some flavonoids, various vitamins, coumarins, tannins. Unopened buds and flowers in large numbers contain essential oils.

Taking funds has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, diaphoretic, hemostatic and analgesic effect.

An infusion of the seeds is an excellent diuretic. An infusion of flowers has a therapeutic effect on uterine bleeding.

The result of comprehensive research by Chinese scientists is proven information about the ability of Chinese clove oil components to inhibit the development of cancer cells.

There are no contraindications to the use of products based on Chinese cloves, but individual intolerance is possible.

Procurement of medicinal raw materials

All parts of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials: roots, stems with leaves, flowers and seeds.

Dig up the roots with a garden shovel, clean from the ground and rinse well under running water. Then blot with a tissue or towel. Cut into small pieces, lay out in a thin layer on a newspaper or a special mesh to dry. Dry in a shady place with good ventilation (attic, shed, i.e. out of reach of moisture). Can be dried quickly in the oven at 45-50°C.

Arrange the dried raw materials in cloth bags and store for two years. After the expiration date, it makes no sense to use - the medicinal effect is lost, replace with fresh raw materials.

Produce the aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers) in dry weather in daytime(after the dew has disappeared). Cut the stems almost to the root. Separate the flowers and dry them separately, similarly to the roots (on a net or dry bedding, spreading them out in a thin, even layer). The stems can be collected in a bunch and dried by hanging. Store such raw materials in cloth bags or paper and cardboard boxes for no more than one year.

Collect seeds during their ripening period. Carefully pour out of the fruit-box. Store in paper bags. Seeds remain viable for 4-5 years.

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 in almost every household plot. Her unpretentiousness and bright colors long flowering did 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 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 spreading bush. Bush height from 10 cm ( dwarf varieties) up to 50 cm. The stems are thin, smooth, with nodules 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 eastern (southeastern) and west side 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 Chinese carnation 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 dry slightly (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

1. For harvesting cuttings, young shoots without buds are taken.
2. The cuttings are cut into 2-3 nodes, the lower cut is 1 cm from the node. The upper part is cut off, and all the leaves are removed.
3. Longitudinal incisions are made along the handle.
4. 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 of the uterine bush with such reproduction are preserved. 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. AT preventive measures plants are treated with Bordeaux mixture.

For abundant flowering withered shoots are cut off throughout the summer. For the winter, the green part is cut off, leaving 10 cm above the soil level. In the open field, planting and caring for Chinese carnations does not require special skills.

The use of Chinese carnations in landscape design

Many varieties allow the widespread use of Chinese carnations 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 joint landings carnations with pansies give a stunning effect. But the neighborhood with tulips is not recommended, due to the defeat of plants by the same diseases.

The combination of different varieties of Chinese cloves

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