LAYERING CARNATIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 29, 4 February 1939, Page 13

LAYERING CARNATIONS

A JOB FOR FEBRUARY. i Border carnations are usually proI pagated by layering, an operation . I which may be done cither just before ; I or immediately after flowering. In . I this district late January or early ■ i February are, perhaps, the best times. ■, AU the old growth which has flowtiered should be cut away from the i plants, and young growth springing II from the base, which have not flow - I ered and which have no flower buds | showing should be utilised. I 1 Fork over the ground round the plant and mix in some sharp sand. If the ground is dry give a good water-

'ing some hours before attempting to put the layers down. Select' the shoot to be layered and pull off the lower leaves, especially on the under side. Hold the shoot firmly with the left hand, and make a cut on the under side with a very sharp knife, upwards and through a joint. The end of the tongue thus formed must be cut off just below the joint. Then put the cut part gently but firmly into the prepared soil and fix it with a peg or piece of wire bent like a hairpin. Cover with soil and leave till rooted, which should be in about six weeks. It is important that the cut should be kept open, and for this purpose some propagators use a small piece of stone or wheat or oat grain. An occasional watering may be necessary if the weather is very dry. When rooted the young plants may be severed from the parent, and either planted out immediately or left for a week or so to become more firmly established on their own roots. When lifting the young plants great care must be taken that the new roots are not pulled away. They are in the form of a cluster and may very easily be shaken off if the soil adheres to them. It is always advisable to raise a few new plants each year, as usually a plant is at its best in its second year, after which it becomes worn out.