Many gardeners prefer to grow Turkish carnations in their flowerbeds due to their low-maintenance nature, abundant and long blooms, and vibrant petal colors. This variety of carnation is considered an ornamental plant, so it's crucial to know when to plant Turkish carnations and how to grow them from seed. If you follow all the recommendations, the results will not only be immediate but also a joyful experience.
Main characteristics of the plant
To understand what a Turkish carnation is, you can look at a photo of the plant and familiarize yourself with its main characteristics. After all, something sets this flower apart from the rest.
The flower height ranges from 15 to 20 centimeters if the Turkish carnation variety is dwarf. If the variety is tall, the plant can reach a height of 60 to 80 centimeters. The inflorescences in which the flower is collected are 10 to 12 centimeters in diameter. The plant can produce single-colored buds or tricolored ones. The color range will also delight lovers of all things bright and varied, as it can be grown in flowerbeds from seeds Turkish carnations of white, red, pink and burgundy colors, it all depends on the variety.
Planting seeds
First, you need to decide when to plant Turkish carnations, and only then begin growing them from seed. If you're starting the plant as seedlings, it's best to do so in March or April. If you're planting the seeds directly in open ground, you should begin this process in May or June. How to grow Perennial phlox: planting and care photos.
To grow Turkish carnations from seeds, it's not enough to know when to plant the plant (photo and video). You also need to prepare the soil in advance. A few weeks before planting, dig the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm. Then water the soil and cover it with plastic. After 14 weeks, remove the plastic, and you can begin planting the seeds in soil.
Turkish carnation seeds can be sown in October, but the seeds and soil must be dry, otherwise the plant will die in winter. Although the flower is resistant to cold, it's best to add a 10-centimeter layer of peat mulch or compost to the soil over the winter. In spring, the plant should be protected from the first rays of sunlight by using a covering material to prevent sunburn.
The seeds are planted in open ground in rows, spaced 15 centimeters apart. The distance between the seeds should be 0.5-2 centimeters. The seeds are not buried deep, about one centimeter.
Once the new seedlings are in the ground, press them down with a layer of soil and sprinkle with room-temperature water. Next, cover the plant with a suitable covering. After 10 days, you should see the first shoots.
Plant care rules
Basic care will help you achieve vibrant, healthy blooms in your flowerbed in no time! Water carnations twice a week, at a rate of 12 liters per square meter. If it's hot outside, pay more attention to watering. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this will cause root rot. To prevent the flow of water from damaging the delicate buds, tilt the watering can closer to the ground.
When the plant reaches a height of 10-12 centimeters, the first feeding should be carried out using a solution of 10 liters of water and a tablespoon of nitrophoska and the same amount of Agricola Forward fertilizer.
When buds begin to form, it's time for the second feeding. This time, dissolve a tablespoon of potassium sulfate and superphosphate in 10 liters of water.
During the flowering period A third feeding is needed. Add one tablespoon of Agricola fertilizer for flowering plants per 10 liters of water. If you grow Turkish carnations from seeds correctly and follow the planting schedule, the plant will thrive even if the soil doesn't quite meet the flower's needs. Turkish carnation care is very simple, but the results are spectacular!