Gardeners explained how to choose the ideal time to plant Turkish carnations and how to care for this perennial plant. Turkish carnation is one of the most favorite perennial plants of gardeners. This plant with charming white and pink colored inflorescences with ornate patterns on the petals will decorate any flower garden. These flowers are native to Europe and some Asian countries and tolerate frosts down to minus 40 degrees. They are quite easy to grow. Carnations bloom from late spring to fall, so the best time to sow these flowers is fall or early spring.
Lighting
Turkish carnations can be planted both in soil and in pots. Turkish carnations love direct light. Ideally, they need at least 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. However, if this is not possible, you can plant it in a pot and place it in a bright place when the sun is hidden. Partial lighting is not contraindicated for this perennial plant.
The soil
Dianthus barbatus needs well-drained soil. It is necessary to plant in a well-circulated place so that it does not get sick and grows healthy. Otherwise, the carnation will not bloom and will begin to die due to rotting roots. Therefore, experts recommend raised beds.
Planting
Regardless of whether the flowers are planted directly in the open ground or as seedlings, they should be buried 1-2 mm deep, 15-30 cm apart, depending on the variety, to allow enough space for air circulation. When sprouting flowers, they need to be placed in a bright place, and when planting seedlings, it is important to use clean garden tools so as not to contaminate the ground around them.
Watering
Turkish carnation requires moderate but regular watering – the soil should remain moist, but not too wet. As soon as the top few centimeters of soil dries out, it needs to be watered well again.
Circumcision
Carnations need to be pruned to bloom profusely next year. Since Turkish carnation is a perennial plant, it will bloom every year. However, for this to be the case, the plant needs to be pruned in autumn, when it has finished blooming. This will further stimulate its growth and next year it will bloom even more magnificently.
Fertilizers
In order for the plant to bloom as long as possible, it should be fertilized every six to eight weeks during the active growing season in spring and early summer. It is not recommended to do this in the cold season – the roots may burn.
