The propagation methods of Dianthus caryophyllus
Do you know about these? Information about the propagation of Dianthus caryophyllus, including its propagation methods. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!
Dianthus caryophyllus is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Dianthus in the family Caryophyllaceae, one of the famous traditional flowers in China. Now widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and introduced by artificial means worldwide, numerous cultivated varieties have been bred. The plant gets its name from its stem, which has nodes and is swollen like bamboo.
The plant has a low and shrubby shape, stems like bamboo, and lush green leaves. The blooming period is from April to October, concentrated in April to May. The fruit is oblong or elongated, the seeds are flat and round, black and brown. It prefers sunlight, cold resistance, drought resistance, dislikes waterlogging, and thrives in well-drained, fertile sandy loam soil. It is cold-tolerant but not heat-tolerant, preferring sunny, dry, well-ventilated conditions, and fertile loamy soil with good drainage.
Propagation is commonly done through sowing, cutting, and dividing the plant. The optimal germination temperature for seeds is 21 to 22 degrees Celsius. Sowing is generally done in September, with seeds sown in open ground seedbeds. Keeping the potting soil moist after sowing, seedlings will emerge in 5 days and grow in about 10 days. The growth temperature for seedlings is suitable between 10-20 degrees Celsius. When the seedlings have 4-5 leaves, they can be transplanted, or they can be planted in September in the open field (Z-B) or in November-December in a cold frame, and then transplanted in the following April. Cutting propagation is done from October to late February to March of the following year, or March. Cut 5-6 cm long tender branches during the lush growth period, and the main roots will form in 15-20 days. Division propagation is often done after flowering, using old plants to divide, usually in autumn or early spring. For example, division can be done in April, with attention to drainage in summer, and fertilization and water management should be strengthened from September, with flowers blooming again by early October. Common pests include rust and red spider mites. Rust can be controlled by spraying with a 50% wettable powder of萎锈灵 at 1500 times dilution, and red spider mites can be killed by spraying with a 40% omethoate emulsion at 1500 times dilution. Dianthus can be used as a whole plant or roots for medicinal purposes, with the effects of clearing heat, diuresis, breaking blood, and dredging meridians.
When potting Dianthus, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied, with 2-3 plants per pot. When the seedlings grow to 15 cm high, remove the top buds to promote branching. Then, pay attention to removing lateral buds appropriately to avoid too much branching, which would scatter nutrients and result in smaller flowers. Removing lateral buds allows nutrients to concentrate, which can promote larger and more colorful flowers. During the growing period, it should be placed in a sunny, well-ventilated area, keeping the potting soil moist, and applying a thin liquid fertilizer every 10 days or so. In summer, with excessive rainfall, pay attention to drainage and loosening the soil. Dianthus is prone to hybridization, so those who wish to save seeds need to plant them separately. Remove some axillary flower buds before blooming to ensure that the top flower bud opens. In winter, less watering is required. If the temperature is maintained at 5-8 degrees, the plant can bloom continuously in winter and spring.
This article shares some small knowledge about the propagation methods of Dianthus caryophyllus. I hope this article can bring you some help!