Carnations have held a place of honor in the gardens of many plant lovers since ancient times. Their unique, spice-like aroma is where they got their name.
Turkish Carnation, a perennial garden plant: planting and care, photos are presented in this article. Turkish Carnation is a variety of this plant and is the most popular inhabitant of city and country flowerbeds. Its cultivation began in the 16th century. A distinctive feature of Turkish Carnation is that its flower, reaching 1.5 cm in diameter, contains two to three shades. A variety of patterns and a multitude of color combinations create the diversity of this variety. Turkish Carnation comes in both single and double varieties.
Carnations bloom in June and the following month. This perennial will delight with its beautiful appearance only in fertile soil. A sunny location is ideal, but some shade is acceptable. The soil should be rich in compost or other fertilizer.
Turkish carnations can be planted in succession in spring or fall. To do this, make shallow furrows about 1.5 cm deep. The distance between the holes should be at least 15 cm. The seeds in the furrows are covered with soil, and the soil is moistened. Watering is done only once. Then, the bed is covered with a cloth until the first shoots appear. It is important that the seeds and soil are dry before planting.
Turkish carnations are susceptible to cold, lack of sun, and waterlogged soil. The plant can easily die in the spring, when there's a risk of freezing temperatures at night. If planting occurs in such conditions, cover the plant with spruce branches and remove them only after warm weather returns.
After the carnation blooms for the first time, its stems are cut back and the soil is fertilized. Soon, it will sprout again and bloom again. With proper care, the Turkish carnation will delight the gardener for six years.
Water the plant at least 1-2 times a week, more frequently during dry summers. Avoid allowing water to drip onto the leaves, as this can cause them to burn in the sun.
Turkish carnations require regular fertilizing. The first application can be made when the stems reach a height of 10 cm. The second application is made after bud formation, the third during flowering, and the fourth after cutting back the spent stems.
Not only can you grow Turkish carnations, you can also try growing terry carnations.