CARNATION

Dianthus Caryophyllus fl. pl. Hardy perennial



The Carnation belongs to the aristocracy of flowers and has attained the

dignity of an exclusive exhibition. But in addition to their merits as

show flowers, Carnations make conspicuous ornaments in the garden and

the home, and it has been found that seed saved with skill from the

finest varieties will produce plants yielding hundreds of flowers of

which the grower need not feel ashamed. Since the introduction of the

early-flowering class, which can easily be had in bloom within six

months from date of sowing, an immense impetus has been given to the

culture of Carnations from seed, and with judicious management it is not

a difficult matter to insure a succession of these delightful subjects

almost the year through. For the decoration of greenhouses and for

providing cut flowers, seedling Carnations have a special value, which

has only to be known to be universally appreciated. No trouble should be

experienced with high-class seeds, which germinate freely and save much

time and labour in comparison with the more tedious process of

propagation; while an occasional new break may at times reward the

raiser.



The proverb that what is worth doing is worth doing well is peculiarly

exemplified in the cultivation of Carnations, the difference between the

results of good and bad work being immense. We therefore advise the

preparation of a compost consisting of about three parts of turfy loam,

to one part each of cow-manure and sweet leaf-mould, with a small

addition of fine grit. A compost that has been laid up for a year,

according to the orthodox practice of florists, is very much to be

desired; but it may be prepared off-hand if care be taken to have all

the materials in a sweet, friable state, free from pastiness, and as far

as possible free from vermin. By laying it in a heap, and turning two or

three times, the vermin will be pretty well got rid of. Sow from April

until August in 4-1/2 inch pots, which must be thoroughly drained. The

seed must be very thinly covered, and sheets of glass should be laid

over to check evaporation. Place the pots in a closed frame, or if the

season be genial a sheltered border will suffice. Immediately the plants

are large enough to handle, prick them off into seed-pans, or round the

edge of 48-size pots. Place these in a cold pit or in the greenhouse.

Give shade and water until the plants have formed six or eight leaves,

and then choose a moist day for planting out.



To insure flowering plants in the following summer it is necessary to

have them strong and robust before the winter sets in. As the blooming

stems rise they must be carefully tied to tall sticks, stout enough to

carry a cover for the bloom, if the plants are not flowered under glass.

When the buds show they should be thinned, leaving as a rule the top,

third, and fourth buds. The second is often too near the first, and some

will not carry the fourth with vigour. When the petals nearly fill the

calyx, each one must be carefully tied with a thin strip of material a

little more than halfway down, to prevent the calyx from bursting, which

disqualifies the flower for exhibition.



The early-flowering class is extremely valuable for the ease with

which it can be grown. The seedlings offer the advantage of being far

more floriferous than plants that have been propagated by the orthodox

method, and they are quite immune from the disease which often decimates

stocks raised from layers and cuttings. Two strains--Vanguard and

Improved Marguerite--possess these characteristics in a very high

degree. All the usual colours are included, and they not only make a

very imposing display in the borders but are of great value for table

decoration. Within about six months from the time seed is sown an

admirable form of delightfully scented Carnation is at the command of

every gardener, and a succession of these popular flowers is available

long after the perennial varieties have ceased to bloom. Plants from

seed sown in gentle heat in January or February will flower freely in

the autumn of the same year, and if lifted and potted they will continue

in bloom during the winter as ornaments of the greenhouse or

conservatory. From another sowing in autumn there will be a display in

the following spring.