PLANTING CARNATIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 81, 6 April 1933, Page 19

PLANTING CARNATIONS

LAYERS AND SEEDLINGS

Carnation layers which were put down some time ago should now be well rooted and in good condition for planting out in their flowering quarters. Seedlings tli.it aro threo inches or'more in height can also be put into tho places where they will bloom next season. The only exception to bo made is in the case of wet, heavy, and colrl land, where it will be safer to pot the

layers and young plants and keep them till the ground is dry enough to take them.' As a rule such cold, wet soils are unsuitable for carnations, arid means should be taken to improve the conditions before attempting to grow carnations. Perfect drainage should be provided, and the bods raised above tho level of the surrounding soil. Tho addition of sand or grit will also help to lighten the soil, as will also wood ashes and lime. When the soil is suitable for outdoor planting it should bo deeply dug and a very moderate dressing of decayed cow manure incorporated with it. -

When putting out carnation layers or seedlings there is a temptation to plant them too. closely. They should never be less than 15 inches apart, while some strong growing kinds will do all the better for another three inches of space. It is not advisable to put cither seedlings or layers in any deeper than they stood in tho ground previously, or the newly-buried portion of tho stem may decay. The soil should be made quite firm round the roots of tho newly-planted seedlings and layers. Carnations are not difficult subjects to grow, but much disappointment is the result of overfeeding with quickacting, stimulating manures. Nitrate of soda and superphosphate should be avoided, as should fresh stable manure. They lovo lime and wood ashes, but do not thrive in soil containing much leaf mould.