Border Carnations

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 10 (Supplement)

Border Carnations

THE popularity of the perpetual "carnation and its simple means of propagation by cuttings has led to something of an eclipse of the old-fashioned border carnation, which, however, has still many admirers for its perfection of blooiu, although tlieie may not be quite so many of these plants. Unlike the perpetual-flowering variety the border carnations do not, as a rule, produce satisfactory results when propagated from cuttings. Layering- is the only method to commend itself. Apart from the fact that plants so raised are definitely better in every respect, there is the added advantage that it can be carried out without the aid of a greenhouse, or even a cold frame, or any other means pf protection. In normal seasons the ideal, time to commence operations is from the middle to the end of January. Plants layered then will develop into splendid, sturdy specimens for autumn planting. Too early layering is liable to result in the layers becoming too leggy after they are pegged down. Late layering may result, if unfavourable weather intervenes, . (n insufficent root ' being made when the layers are severed from the parent plant. Layering is so simple and straightforward a process that the novice need have no fears as long as the principle is understood.. For a commencement the plants shoiild be carefully examined, and if any trrtce of aphis, red spider or other carnation post is found, tho work should be delayed until the plants are cleansed by spraying, as it is extremely difficult to hold these, pests in check after the plants are pegged down. Needless to say it is essential to choose healthy plants and strong side growths, for to propagate from weakly stock is Saying up a store of trouble for the future. The shoots chosen should be stripped of foliage from the bottom to the fourth pair of leaves, but. first of all, surround the plants with a two or three inch depth of soil compost to encourage rapid rooting. A mixture of equal parts of good lonni and sharp sand will answer well. I

A—Tongue. B— Pe£, C—Mound of prepared soil D—Broken up surface soil. E—Old plant.

Layering, Produces Better Plants

Prick over the surface soil before laying down the compost,, for good drainage is essential. Next conies the crucial item, the cutting of the tongue of the laver.

The handling of the knife requires a knack which is soon acquired. Until proficiency is obtained, handle the knife with caution. A very sharp knife with a tliin, pointed blade is the best to.use. This is inserted in the stem of the layer just above a joint under the bottom pair of leaves, and an incision made downwards through the joint, bringing the knife out half an inch or so from the joint. The result of bending the shoot into tho required position will now be to form a tongue.

This is trimmed off immediately below the joint, and pressed into the soil to a depth of half an inch. Do not force the layers, for -there is danger of breaking. Keep the shoot as upright as possible, and secure in position by means of a layering pin. Deal with the other shoots in the same manner, then ted the shoots firmly in the compost with the fingers, and complete tho operation by giving a soaking of water through a rosed can.

The rooting process usually extends over a period of from three to five weeks, and during that time care should bo taken not to allow the layers to dry out. .Tust as soon as renewed activity indicates the presence of a sturdy root system the layers may be severed from the parent plants, and it is usual to plant them straight away in their permanent quarters, for no fears need be exercised as to their hardiness.