Chinese carnation is wonderful garden flower, which is the carnation we are used to, but in a more decorative version. The plant can be differently colored depending on the species: there are even very rare varieties, including dark burgundy, almost black. Chinese carnation fits perfectly into garden landscape, and has universal application.
So, it can be planted in separate flower beds or used in group plantings: in any case, the flower will fit perfectly into the surrounding space. In the article we will look at the features of growing Chinese carnations from seeds: we will find out exactly how to plant the plant, and what care features should be kept in mind.
Description and features
Chinese carnation is an unusual ornamental plant that surpasses regular analogue bright colors and splendor of inflorescences. The use of this plant, like , in garden design is very wide: Chinese carnations can be used to decorate borders, flower beds, flower beds, rock gardens, balconies, facades: in principle, anything. By the way, this plant is called cloves exclusively in our country. In worldwide practice it is known as the “divine flower”.
As the name implies, the plant’s homeland is China, as well as Mongolia and Korea. In our country, Chinese carnation is grown as an annual or biennial plant, although in its historical homeland it is a perennial.
Externally, Chinese carnations are compact bushes up to half a meter high. The stems of the plant are thin, sometimes gnarled, the leaves are long, thin and sharp at the ends.
In the video - Chinese carnation:
Simple, semi-double and double varieties of Chinese carnations are known today: all of them are distinguished by a wonderful delicate color of the petals, sometimes defiantly bright.
The color of the petals of the Chinese carnation is found in the following variants:
And this is what the seeds look like Turkish cloves, and how to plant them in the ground, this will help you understand
Currently, breeders have developed many other interesting shades of the plant: among them even such unusual ones as black and blue. In addition to the one-color color option, the petals of the Chinese carnation can be painted in two colors: with a decorative gradient transition. The size of the flower is usually about 3 cm in diameter, sometimes reaching 4 cm.
Growing seeds in open ground
Due to the need to comply with certain temperature regime and regular watering, Chinese carnations are rarely grown from seeds in open ground. Usually, healthy and strong seedlings are first prepared at home, which are then moved under open sky: This path is more reliable, although more troublesome.
However, if you decide to immediately plant the seeds in open ground, then it is recommended to pre-soak them for 20 minutes in a solution of succinic acid, and then, without drying completely, plant them in the ground. This procedure will strengthen the seeds and make them more resistant to disease.
This information will help you understand how this happens and how to do it correctly.
But how Dimorphotheca is grown, and what such a flower looks like in the photo, you can find out from this
It will also be interesting to learn about how to plant Matthiola bicornuum with seeds:
After three weeks, on average, the first shoots appear. When two or three leaves appear on them, the seedlings must be picked, planted at the required distance from each other.
Growing using seedlings
To ensure guaranteed germination of Chinese carnations, it is recommended to grow them using the seedling method. In addition, for many cold Russian regions this is generally the only method. Seeds are planted for seedlings already in March, although to speed up the start of flowering you can do this in February and even in January. But the latter options are only suitable for areas with warm climates.
The seeds are placed in prepared containers filled with a mixture of garden soil and sand. You can also add vermiculite to the soil, which will speed up germination. It is necessary to put a layer of drainage at the bottom of the container: the plant cannot tolerate stagnant moisture.
After the seeds are placed in the ground, they are sprinkled with a little vermiculite, after which the containers are put in a sunny, well-lit place (a window sill on the south side is suitable). Compaction of the soil from above is not required. It is advisable to install several fluorescent lamps, which can be very helpful in case of cloudy weather.
For successful germination, it is necessary that the room temperature is about +20 degrees, and the soil constantly remains moderately moist. Additional protection in the form of film or glass in in this case not required. 
After the sprouts appear, the containers with the seedlings need to be moved to a room with a lower temperature - about +15-17 degrees. Such a decrease in temperature is necessary so that the seedlings do not grow too actively upward.
Attention: Chinese carnation also reproduces well by self-sowing. If the seeds fell into the ground in the fall, then, having survived the winter, many of them will sprout safely in the spring: without any worries or hassle on the part of the gardener. The method is good, however, in this case the carnation will grow spontaneously, as necessary. Although for some picturesque garden designs This method is also suitable.
Care
Although in natural conditions the plant is a perennial, however, in our country it is grown mainly as an annual. It must be said that growing this flower is not too difficult and is quite accessible even to inexperienced gardeners. What you need to pay attention to is the choice of soil: only in this respect does the Chinese carnation show some capriciousness. So, the plant requires well-drained soil that is not prone to stagnation of water.
Chinese carnations, in addition, need fertilizing: over the summer you will have to apply fertilizer several times. Without additional nutrition, the plant will bloom more sparingly.
As for choosing a place, the flower will feel best in the sun; partial shade is also suitable. Fully shady places not for Chinese carnations: in such places decorative and lush flowering you won't have to wait.
Video on how to care for flowers:
There is one nuance that gardeners need to know: the roots of Chinese carnations grow and branch greatly. Therefore, to underground root system not mixed up, it is recommended to plant carnation bushes at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other. And in order to ensure good lush bushiness, the tops of the stems must be pinched back at the seedling stage.
As for watering, it should be moderate, and in extreme heat more abundant. Overmoistening of the soil and, especially, stagnation of moisture in the soil must be avoided.
The bed with Chinese carnations must be cleared of weeds by weeding regularly. Feeding should be done 2-3 times per season. But some gardeners recommend fertilizing more often, especially if the soil is not fertile. Fertilizers with a potassium composition are used to feed cloves, and are also suitable special compounds for clove varieties.
To ensure longer flowering, dried buds must be removed from the bushes. Closer to August, gardeners recommend pruning tall varieties of Chinese carnations to prolong the flowering period, rejuvenating the bushes.
If the plant is a biennial, then for the winter you need to cut off its green top, leaving 10 cm long stems protruding from the ground. It is advisable to cover these stems with leaves or dry grass so that the plant can safely survive the frosts.
Diseases and pests
A plant that is grown in compliance with the above recommendations and that is properly cared for usually develops without problems and is not susceptible to diseases. There are few pests that attack Chinese carnations.
I had a Chinese carnation growing in my garden.
About three years, probably.
And then last summer she disappeared completely.
I will plant again.
In the photo on the right, the stones are behind the cinquefoil and you can see the carnation.
Gradually, more aggressive neighbors forced her out.
Well, yes, I have plenty of places where she will feel good.
That time I planted it directly in the ground and it did not bloom the first year. Did not make it.
Survived the winter. But it wasn't abundant flowering never.
Below are the seeds I bought. 
DESCRIPTION
In countries with temperate climate This Chinese carnation is grown as a seasonal annual. Stems up to 50 cm tall, form spreading or compact bushes, often in the form of turf.
IN decorative culture since 1702
In the mixture of terry hybrids, purer forms were selected: white pink, dark red. In cultivation, the Chinese carnation is unpretentious; even an inexperienced gardener can grow it in their summer cottage. It grows well in both partial shade and bright sun.
SOWING AND GROWING SEEDLINGS
Annual varieties of Chinese carnations are propagated only by seeds. Perennials can be propagated by cuttings and dividing the bush, and not just by sowing. 
Seeds are sown in a box with a layer of drainage at the bottom, in light, moist soil. They fall asleep on top thin layer(about 2mm) of soil, and cover the top with paper.
There is no need to cover the seedling boxes with glass or film. In the first stages of seedling growth, carnation is very sensitive to high level salt per pound and overnight temperature changes.
When germinating seeds, the temperature is kept in the range from 16 to 20°C, moistening the soil. Seedlings appear in 4-10 days and, as soon as they grow a little, they can be planted in pots. After the first seedlings appear, the temperature in the room where the seedlings are located should not exceed 10-15°C.
CARE OF CHINESE CLOVES
Even a novice gardener can handle caring for these flowers. It is enough to follow a few rules and pay attention to appearance plants.
We water the Chinese carnation only when the soil dries out a little. Frequent and abundant watering is simply destructive for it. During periods of drought, we water the plants a little more often, preventing the soil from drying out too much. The correct watering regime is evidenced by its beautiful appearance.
bush and carnation flowers.
In order to achieve early flowering, seeds are sown in a heated room in early spring starting in April. Planting of seedlings is supplemented by sowing in open ground in May.
During the growing season, cloves are fed twice with complex mineral fertilizers. First feeding - 3 weeks after the trip permanent place, second in the bud formation stage
Chinese carnation blooms from July until frost. Tolerates air temperatures down to -3 °C. Small, flat, black seeds ripen in the seed capsule in August. They remain viable for three years. To continue the flowering period of carnations, you can prune the plants in July. 
SOURCES
Every owner of a private home or summer cottage there is a flower bed. Growing flowers is one of the favorite activities of any gardener. Each of them has their own favorite flowers, but they are all good and beautiful in their own way. Chinese carnation grows in almost every garden and is very popular. We will talk about its features in care and cultivation in the article.
This type of perennial plant belongs to the carnation family, but there are also annual species flower. As its name suggests, cloves were introduced to Europe from China in the 18th century. It is a small branched bush that can grow from 15 to 50 cm, it all depends on the type of flower. In total, there are almost 300 types of carnations, but every year there are more and more varieties. They are obtained by selection and hybridization. New varieties obtained in this way differ long period flowering.
Chinese carnation almost odorless. Her flowers are single or collected in bouquets of 2-4 pieces. In the photo it is clearly visible that the terry carnation mix has buds consisting of a group of petals. The flower size can be from 1 to 4 cm in diameter. Lanceolate narrow leaves are located opposite. Dwarf species grow short, the bushes reach only 15 cm. Other species can grow up to 0.5 meters. The good thing about Chinese carnation is that it can be grown not only in the garden, but also on the balcony in a pot.
Chinese carnation blooms from June to August. As you can see in the photo, the inflorescences can be of several colors:
- white;
- purple;
- pink;
- burgundy;
- lilac.
A distinctive feature of Chinese terry cloves - slits and stripes on the petals. The stem of the plant is erect, with narrow lanceolate leaves of a dull green color.
Growing from seeds
Chinese cloves can be grown in several ways:
- buy ready-made seedlings:
- dividing the bush;
- sow seeds in open ground;
- Grow seedlings from seeds yourself.
The last method of growing Chinese cloves should be understood in more detail. Planting seeds of perennial Chinese carnation is necessary start in March. Seeds are sown in boxes with drained and nutritious substrate. They should be sprinkled with a light layer of soil. The soil is well moistened and the top of the container must be covered.
Optimal temperature for germination 16-20 o C. After 7-10 days, the cover can be removed and it is advisable to reduce the temperature to 14-15 o C. The seedlings are ready for picking when they have 2-3 true leaves. She is dropped off at peat pots with nutritious peat mixture. In order to plant seedlings in open ground, they must become well established. It is best to plant it in a permanent place in pots.
You can also sow seeds in open ground in early May; it is not afraid of light frosts. The seeds are sown in an open nursery and then, when they germinate, they are transplanted to a permanent place in the flower garden.
Planting and care
The most favorable time for planting in open ground considered to be the end of May. Before planting, be sure to prepare a bed and plant seedlings at intervals of 20-30 cm. The distance between seedlings will depend on the type of carnation.
Watering should only be done when the soil dries out. Frequent and abundant watering negatively affects the development of the plant. In extreme heat, the volume of watering should be increased and the soil should not be allowed to dry out.
Caring for the flower is simple; any novice gardener can grow Chinese carnations. It is very important to pay close attention to the plant and timely water, loosen the soil, and remove weeds. The beautiful and fresh appearance of flowers is a confirmation proper care. If you pinch the tops of the clove stems, it will bush better. The plant loves partial shade and sun.
Flowers are very respond well to feeding, if you don’t add too much of them. The quantity and proportions will depend on the fertility of the soil. It is recommended to feed flowers 2-3 times a month. Calcium-based fertilizers cannot be applied in the first year of life.
To extend the flowering period of carnations, it is necessary to trim stems with buds that have already faded. To propagate by seeds, you need to leave the inflorescences you like and then collect them.
Chinese carnation tolerates winter very well in our regions. Before wintering, its stems are cut to 10 cm above the ground in late autumn. You don’t have to insulate the bushes, but use sawdust or peat, fallen leaves to protect them from freezing in very coldy. With the arrival of spring, the cover should be removed.
Like all carnation plants susceptible to certain diseases:
- fusarium;
- rust;
- spotting;
- root rot;
- septoria.
If such diseases are detected, the damaged stems must be cut and removed. It is better to fight spider mites and aphids using Bordeaux mixture.
The secret of popularity
The plant is very popular among gardeners, which is understandable. Unlike bulbs and other types of plants, the flowering phase of carnations lasts a very long time. The flower is ideal for many purposes. It is often used in landscape design. Chinese carnations are always appropriate in city parks and squares; they are planted as borders. The photo clearly shows that it fits perfectly into the alpine slide. Thanks to its bright color, it looks impressive when planted in islands and bouquets on lawns.
You can grow Chinese carnations in open ground and on the balcony.
Planting a plant with proper care will quickly give results in the form of beautiful flowers, as in the photo.Features and varieties of Chinese carnations
Chinese carnation can be found on almost every personal plot. Her unpretentiousness and bright colors long flowering did their job - the plant gained enormous popularity among flower growers. The diversity of this flower is amazing.
The color palette of Chinese carnations is very diverse.
The plant came to Europe from China, where it got its name. Chinese carnation is a perennial plant that grows as a bush. Some varieties are grown as annual crop. Initially, the Chinese carnation was characterized by variegated burgundy streaks on the petals. Currently, the selection of Chinese carnations includes about 300 species.
Separately, I would like to highlight the view Heddeviga lanciniatus, bred in the mid-19th century by a St. Petersburg gardener. This species is also called “bordered” carnation, because of the border around the edge of the flower petal.
Dianthus Heddeviga lanciniatus
Chinese perennial carnation grows as a compact or spreading bush. Bush height from 10 cm ( dwarf varieties) up to 50 cm. The stems are thin, smooth, with knots characteristic of the clove family. The leaves are straight, narrow, oblong (some varieties have curled leaves). Chinese carnation flowers are single, reaching up to 5 cm in diameter (on average 2-4 cm). The structure of the flower, depending on the variety, can be double, semi-double or simple. The edges of the petals are fringed or serrated. Chinese carnation bushes bloom in white, pink, coral, raspberry, and cherry colors. Some varieties combine several colors, diluting the main color with a darker or lighter edging and “eye”. The variety of Chinese carnations can be seen in the photo.
The most popular varieties of Chinese carnations:
- "Diana";
Variety "Diana"
- "Schneebal";
- "Feuerbal";
- "Gelstrat";
- "Charm is a magical mixture."
Planting Chinese carnations
Chinese carnation develops well and actively blooms in warm, sunny or semi-shaded flower beds. Delightful bushes grow on the eastern (southeastern) and western sides of the site. The plant can grow in the shade, but the desired flowering effect is unlikely to be achieved.
If you plant a plant in the shade, it most likely will not bloom.
The soil for Chinese carnations is loamy or sandy loam. Well-drained and moderately fertilized soil is limed before planting by adding lime or dolomite flour. Chinese carnations do not like excess moisture, and stagnation of water will simply destroy the plant.
Important! Chinese carnation does not tolerate manured soil and requires liming of the soil.
Carnation seedlings are planted in open ground in the spring when average temperature air temperature is 20º, and dividing adult bushes is possible in the fall. The distance between seedlings should not be less than 20 cm.
Propagation of Chinese carnation by seeds
Chinese carnation is propagated by several methods:
- seeds;
- cuttings;
- layering;
- dividing the bush.
For annual varieties Only seed propagation is suitable. Perennial varieties Chinese carnations can be propagated by all methods.
Chinese clove seeds
Clove seeds are brown in color and have an oblong shape. They should be sown in March, although some gardeners begin sowing in January. Ready-made peat soil mixtures are not recommended for growing carnation seedlings; it is better to take garden soil with the addition of river sand.
Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in succinic acid and dry slightly (do not dry completely). Moisten the soil in the seedling containers and sow the seeds. The seeding depth should be small, up to one and a half centimeters. Created in containers Greenhouse effect: Cover them with film or glass.
Chinese clove sprouts
The optimal temperature for seed germination is 18-20º. The first shoots appear after 10 days, after which the film is removed and the containers are placed in a well-lit place. If there is not enough light and the seedlings begin to stretch, lighting is needed. When the first true leaves appear, the seedlings are picked.
Important! Chinese carnation seedlings are affected by blackleg. Therefore, it is impossible to over-water the seedlings, and instead of watering it is better to use spraying.
When the seedlings grow and form 4-6 true leaves, they are pinched, thereby ensuring the splendor of the future bush.
Seedlings are planted in open ground in May, when the threat of return frosts has passed.
Cuttings and dividing a Chinese carnation bush
Cuttings, as a method of propagating Chinese carnations, are quite simple. However, when cutting cuttings it is worth following some rules.
Young Chinese carnation bushes
- To prepare cuttings, young shoots without buds are taken.
- The cuttings are cut into 2-3 nodes, the bottom cut at a distance of 1 cm from the node. The top part is cut off and all leaves are removed.
- Longitudinal cuts are made along the cuttings.
- The harvested material is germinated in containers with sand under cover (film or jar). The temperature and humidity under the shelter should be constant.
The cuttings take root fairly quickly. More tall bushes You can not take cuttings, but propagate by layering. The principle of these methods is the same, but the layers are not cut off, but rather bent to the ground and covered with earth.
Only some varieties of Chinese carnations with a fibrous root system are propagated by dividing the bush. All properties of the uterine bush are preserved during this propagation. In spring or autumn, the bush is dug up, and the rhizome is carefully divided so that at least 3 growth buds remain in each part.
Caring for Chinese carnations
Like any cultivated plant, Chinese carnation needs care.
Several times during the season, Chinese cloves need to be fed with mineral fertilizers.
Fertilizer. You should be careful when feeding Chinese carnations. The plant does not tolerate manure, so it cannot be used as fertilizer. Potassium and complex mineral fertilizers for garden flowers, apply 2-3 times per season (spring and mid-summer). In the second year of carnation growth, calcium supplements are necessary.
Watering. Chinese carnation tolerates moderate drought well. Therefore, it is better to skip watering than to overwater the plant. After each watering, the soil around the bush is weeded, thereby providing air access to the roots.
Diseases and pests. Chinese carnation improper care affected by many fungal diseases: fusarium, rust, root rot, etc. Having noticed the first signs of fungus, remove the plant and treat the growth area with special products.
Aphids on clove leaves
Of the pests, the Chinese carnation is afraid spider mite and aphids. As a preventative measure, plants are treated with Bordeaux mixture.
For abundant flowering, wilted shoots are cut off throughout the summer. For winter, the green part is cut off, leaving 10 cm above the soil level. In open ground, planting and caring for Chinese carnations does not require special skills.
Using Chinese carnations in landscape design
Many varieties make it possible to widely use Chinese cloves in landscape design. Bright flowers They will become decorations along the path and border flower beds. Varieties of different heights can be used in mixboards and on borders.
Decorating a flower bed with Chinese carnations
Chinese carnations will also decorate a rock garden. For landscaping balconies and gazebos, Chinese carnations are planted in flowerpots. Photos with Chinese carnations simply invite you to create your own, designer and unique composition in the garden.
Marigolds, non-flowering green plants, and forget-me-nots look great as carnation partners. In flowerpots, joint planting of carnations with pansies give an amazing effect. But proximity to tulips is not recommended, due to the plants being affected by the same diseases.
Today it's hard to imagine garden plot, where the Chinese carnation would not grow. She is a real decoration of any flower bed, garden, alpine slide, curb, balcony. And this is not the entire list of uses of this flower.
Chinese carnation was brought to Europe at the beginning of the 18th century from China. That is why it is called “Chinese”. However, its original homeland is Korea and Mongolia. Initially, this flower was distinguished by the peculiarity of its petals, on which burgundy strokes were clearly drawn. Currently, thanks to breeders, new species of Chinese Carnation with monochromatic petals have appeared. In addition, it has changed life cycle. If in wildlife Chinese carnation is perennial plant, the one as ornamental plant it is grown as a biennial.
Description of Chinese carnation
Chinese carnation is not a tall plant. It forms bushes ranging in height from 10 cm to half a meter. The stems of Carnation are thin and green. Small nodules can be seen on the stems of some varieties. The leaves are usually long, narrow, pointed at the ends, but there are leaves that are slightly curled, small and wide. It all depends on the type of flower.
The inflorescences of Chinese Carnation can be simple - five-petaled, jagged at the ends, as well as double and semi-double. The variety of shades of inflorescences is surprising: white, pink, red, purple, burgundy, lilac and even blue. The size of the inflorescences ranges from 1 cm to 4 cm in diameter.
Agrotechnics of cultivation
Since Chinese carnation is a biennial plant, it usually does not bloom in the first year. During this time, it only forms the green part of the bush. True, modern breeders have developed new varieties annual Carnation Chinese, the seeds of which have rapid germination. Such seedlings grow and develop quickly, the plant manages to bloom on time and delight with its beauty and aroma of flowers until the very frost.
Growing Chinese Carnation is not particularly difficult, but since it is not only elegant, but also capricious, it is necessary to adhere to some rules.
Firstly, Special attention should be given to the soil. It must have drainage, otherwise excess moisture will destroy the flower. You can add a little lime to the soil.
Secondly, throughout the summer, Carnation bushes need to be fed with various fertilizers. This will promote abundant flowering.
Thirdly, it is better to choose a sunny area, protected from drafts, although the plant feels comfortable in partial shade.
Another requirement is to maintain a gap of about 25 cm between the bushes. This necessity is due to the fact that the root system of the Chinese Carnation is powerful, branched, and if the flowers are planted close, they will interfere with each other.
Growing Chinese carnation with seeds at home
Chinese cloves can be propagated by seeds at home, sowing both directly in open ground and seedling method. The second option is more reliable, but if you sow the seeds directly into the garden bed, you will have to tinker a little. In addition, as a rule, the seeds of annual Carnation are sown in open ground. To increase germination, it is recommended to place them in a solution of succinic acid for 20 minutes.
After this, the seeds are dried a little at home, mixed with agrovermiculite and added to the soil. By this time, the bed should already be prepared: dug up, loosened, freed from weeds, containing lime, slightly moistened, with a drainage system.
The optimal soil temperature for sowing seeds is from +15°C to +18°C, and the air temperature is at least +20°C. It is advisable to cover the bed with film at night. Shoots will appear in about 20-25 days. When they have 3 leaves, the seedlings should be discharged by transplanting the sprouts to a new place.
Growing by seedlings
To grow Chinese carnation using seedlings, sowing seeds at home must be done in early March, although some gardeners say that seeds can be sown as early as mid-January.
The containers are filled with soil consisting of garden soil along with sand. Before filling the containers with soil, any drainage, for example, crushed stone or expanded clay, is placed on the bottom. Seeds are placed on top of the soil and sprinkled with vermiculite, which will speed up the process of seed germination. Containers are placed on the windowsill, but provided that there are no drafts there. The optimal temperature is +20°C; when seedlings appear at home, move them to a cool place with a temperature of +17°C. Grown seedlings will need to be plucked and transplanted into separate containers. They can be transplanted into open ground only when stable warm days and nights arrive.
Diseases and pests that threaten Chinese carnation
Surprisingly, Chinese carnation is practically not threatened by any diseases, especially if it is properly cared for. The only thing that can cause harm is waterlogging of the soil and frequent fertilizing with fertilizers.
Attention! It is impossible to plant Chinese carnation together with tulips, which can infect it with fungal diseases.
In one area, Chinese carnation can be grown for no more than 5 years.