Can carnations survive the second year?
Let me tell you whether carnations can survive the second year and introduce the related knowledge of how to collect seeds from carnation plants, and then let's learn about it together.
Carnation is a relatively common cut flower that symbolizes blessings. Carnation's original name is fragrant Dianthus, belonging to the Dianthus family, Dianthus genus, and perennial herbaceous plants. It is a close relative to the common Dianthus flowers seen by the road, but it has a higher颜值 with double petals and rich colors. Carnation potted plants have also been quite popular among flower enthusiasts in recent years.
Carnation flower
Carnation does not have high requirements for the environment, prefers warmth, has a certain cold resistance, and will enter a dormant state when the environmental temperature is too high or too low (above 35°C or below 10°C), but it will not have a bad effect on it. Generally, as long as the environmental temperature in winter is not continuously below 5°C, it can safely overwinter outdoors. Carnation also does not have high requirements for the planting soil and can grow well in slightly acidic or neutral soil.
Carnation is a relatively easy-to-care-for kind of flowering plant. As long as the following points are noted in the maintenance process, there should be no problem in growing and flowering.
Carnation
Firstly, high light and suitable temperature are the keys to growing good carnations
Carnation is a plant with intermediate light requirements, which means that under long-day or short-day conditions, its growth will not be greatly affected, as long as the light intensity is sufficient, generally, if the daylight time can reach 4 hours or more, healthy and rapid growth should not be a problem. What needs special attention in terms of caring for carnations is that there must be a certain amount of direct sunlight every day; under long-term scattered light, the plant will definitely experience excessive growth, with weak branches and leaves and no flowering.
When the environmental temperature reaches above 35°C, as long as sufficient water is ensured, the dormant carnation will not have major problems. When the environmental temperature is below 5°C, the amount of watering needs to be controlled, and the soil needs to be relatively dry before watering. There is another point that needs special attention in terms of the environment: carnations do not like humid conditions, and excessive humidity at any temperature will have an adverse effect on their growth.
Carnation
Secondly, soil compaction, alkalization, and poor drainage are fatal issues
Carnation does not have high requirements for the soil, but there are two main requirements: one is that the soil should not cause waterlogging, which means that the planting soil needs to have good drainage; the other is that the soil should not be slightly alkaline, as soil alkalization and compaction are especially harmful to its growth, and may even cause death. The soil for planting carnations can refer to using decomposed leaf soil mixed with about 30% coarse river sand, which can basically meet its normal growth needs.
Carnation
Thirdly, excessive watering and fertilization in winter are not desirable
Carnation prefers a moist soil environment and has strong drought resistance. During the growing period, the watering frequency can be higher, and watering can be done when the surface soil is dry. In the dormant period of winter, the amount of watering needs to be reduced, and the soil needs to be relatively dry before watering. There is also a point that needs special attention when watering carnations: avoid short-term waterlogging, which requires soil with good drainage.
Carnation is tolerant of poor soil and does not like too much fertilizer. It is necessary to pay special attention during daily maintenance and avoid excessive fertilization. Applying a multi-element compound fertilizer once a month in spring and autumn is sufficient, and fertilization should be avoided in summer and winter.
Fourthly, the propagation efficiency of carnation cuttings is high
The propagation efficiency of carnation cuttings is relatively high, and the mature plants grow quickly, usually flowering in the second year. Cuttings propagation is relatively easy, as long as the environmental temperature is below 35°C and above 10°C, cuttings propagation generally roots and survives easily. There are no special requirements for the cutting substrate, just use the planting soil, and it is best to disinfect the cutting substrate before planting, such as浇灌 once with a 0.1% solution of carbendazim, which can achieve a good effect.
In summary, in the process of caring for carnations, light is very important. There should be at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day to ensure that no excessive growth occurs and normal flowering is smooth. A humid environment is not suitable for caring for carnations; excessive fertilization is not conducive to growth and may even cause death.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of whether carnations can survive the second year and how to collect seeds from carnations, hoping it can help you.