Instructions courtesy: P. Kooij & Zonen B.V.General
Like the standard and spray carnation, the pot carnation belongs to the genus Dianthus of the family Caryophillaceae. Under normal growing conditions, the Sunflor® pot carnation remains sufficiently compact. Treatment with growth retardants is therefore unnecessary. Even so, we sometimes find growth retardants being sprayed in practice. The result is then a more compact plant. A disadvantage can be an extended period of growth. The pot carnation resists temperatures from 14°F - 5°F and so offers the grower and consumer a wide range of potential uses.
Compost and pot sizes
Pot size: 3,5 inch diameter. ( 1 pinch)
4 inch diameter ( 1 or double pinch).
An important criteria for the quality of the compost is the air/water ratio. A coarse soil, possibly mixed with 15% perlite, gives best results. The optimum pH of the soil is between 5.5 and 6.5. Important fertilizers must be added in slow release form. The following pattern may be adopted for unfertilized compost:
Additions per m³ (85% soil + 15% perlite):
- 5 kg. Dolokal
- 1.25 kg. P.G. mix
- 200 gr. Triple superphosphate
- 150 gr. Sulfate of Magnesium
- 10 gr. Libro-mix
It is certainly worthwhile consulting your compost supplier regarding the above.
Feeding and watering
Fertilizer is added during growth in the form of a soluble composite which includes magnesium (e.g. 15-3-15-5). Initial fertilization with nitrate of lime and 10-52-10 (Pokon) is recommended for a smooth start. Have soil samples taken regularly to check the feeding conditions! Limit maximum feed concentration to 2.0 E.C.
The pot carnation needs plenty of water. However, if the crop gets too much water in spring, pot carnations will grow too tall. If water is added, make sure that the crop dries as quickly as possible. Watering should preferably take place in the morning. Overhead watering during cultivation is no problem provided clean water is being used. Nevertheless be careful with open flowers and see to it that the foliage dries quickly.
Further cultural instructions
The use of a watering mat or soil sheet helps to distribute the water better and restricts rooting through.
Plants need pinching as soon as the main bud appears (after approx. 4-6 weeks). This is necessary to ensure good branching and growth.
Spacing out. At the start of the season the pots can be placed next to each other. The density is then 120 plants per net m². The space is widened once only, when the plants "touch". The plant density then varies from about 75 to 85 plants per net m². The growing temperature has a particular influence on growing speed. The minimum night temperature in winter is 5-8° C. The day temperature in spring should be increased between 50°F-59°F depending on the intensity of the light.
Adding CO2 improves quality. The average harvesting date will then also be moved slightly forward. The optimum CO2 content is approx. 1,000 ppm.
Lighting. The production and development of flower buds is improved under long-day conditions. Extended daylight can be obtained by lighting the whole night with filament bulbs with an intensity of approx. 10 W/m² for 10 days to a fortnight. Lighting can start as soon as the plants have several shoots with at least 6 projecting leaf sets. Extended daylight will result in extra stretch, which may impair the quality of certain varieties.This applies especially to crops aimed at spring harvesting. A night break of 3-4 hours is possible.
Growth retarding
Dependent on the growing conditions (among other things watering) experience has shown that it may be necessary to administer a growth retarder now and than at the end of the culture, especially if the difference between day and night temperature is big. Wetter growing conditions aiming at heavier plants also need a growth retarder. Most applied and most effective is Bonsi. Start with 0,2-0,3% and increase the dose dependent on the results. Of the present range of varieties Fontana, Vino and Funda need a growth retarder during their cultivation time already