How to care for Dianthus caryophyllus
This article introduces the topic of caring for Dianthus caryophyllus at home. How to grow Dianthus caryophyllus? Let's find out as the editor provides some information for netizens.
Dianthus caryophyllus is one of the traditional famous flowers in China. Many gardening enthusiasts want to grow it but often fail to do so. So, how do you grow Dianthus caryophyllus? This article will provide some basic pointers on how to care for this flower. Let's take a look at the cultivation methods for Dianthus caryophyllus.
1. Basic information about Dianthus caryophyllus:
Dianthus caryophyllus is a perennial herbaceous plant, but it is usually cultivated as an annual or biennial. Sown in autumn in the north, it blooms the following spring. Sown in spring in the south, it blooms in summer and autumn. The plant grows to a height of 30-40 centimeters, with flower colors including purplish red, bright red, pink, purple, pure white, red, and variegated. The flowers can be single-petaled with 5 petals or double-petaled, with jagged tips and a faint fragrance. The blooming period is from April to October, with a focus in April and May.
There are many types of Dianthus caryophyllus, with over 300 species in the genus. Commonly cultivated varieties include Dianthus barbatus, Dianthus chinensis, Dianthus superbus, Dianthus plumarius, Dianthus compactus, and Dianthus involucratus. There is also a variety introduced from Europe called Dianthus caryophyllus ' fragrant', also known as Carnation, with the yellow ones being more valuable.
2. Container cultivation of Dianthus caryophyllus:
The optimal growing temperature for container-grown Dianthus caryophyllus is 15-20°C. During winter, it should be placed in a greenhouse with a temperature of 12°C or higher. It requires ample sunlight during the growing season, placed in a sunny location, with diffused light in summer to avoid direct sunlight. It needs shading and cooling during high temperatures. The soil should be fertile, loose, well-drained, and calcareous loamy or sandy loamy soil. It dislikes waterlogging and prefers fertilizer. Apply sufficient base fertilizer, planting 2-3 plants per pot. When the seedlings reach a height of 15 centimeters, the top bud should be pinched off to promote branching. Later, remove the axillary buds appropriately to avoid excessive branching, which can lead to smaller flowers. Removing axillary buds allows nutrients to be concentrated, resulting in larger and more colorful flowers.
Container-grown Dianthus caryophyllus should be placed in a sunny, well-ventilated area for care, keeping the soil moist, and applying a thin liquid fertilizer every 10 days or so. During the rainy season, ensure proper drainage and loosen the soil. Before blooming, remove some axillary flower buds to ensure the main flower bud blooms. In winter, reduce watering, and if the temperature is maintained at 5-8°C, it can bloom continuously from winter to spring.
3. Propagation of Dianthus caryophyllus: Dianthus caryophyllus is commonly propagated by seed, cutting, and division.
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