Carnations are great for cut flowers Due to its excellent keeping quality, a wide range varieties selection, and Carnations can withstand long-distance during transport qualities farmer attract towards Carnation cultivation They are especially the demand for Valentine’s day, Easter, Mother’s day and Christmas. India has the excellent prospect of developing good quality carnation. Places having cold climate such as Shimla, Kulu, Manali, Kalimpong, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Bangalore, Pune, Nasik, etc. are most appropriate places for the production of Carnation cut flowers.

1. About the author View All Posts amar sawant Amar Sawant is an entrepreneur, farmer, and writer. He works more than ten
years as agri-entrepreneur. Always busy in farm to find something new.
April 6, 2018
Carnation cultivation guide (2018)
agricultureguruji.com/carnation-cultivation/
Carnations are great for cut flowers Due to its excellent keeping quality, a wide range
varieties selection, and Carnations can withstand long-distance during transport qualities
farmer attract towards Carnation cultivation
They are especially the demand for Valentine’s day, Easter, Mother’s day and Christmas.
India has the excellent prospect of developing good quality carnation. Places having cold
climate such as Shimla, Kulu, Manali, Kalimpong, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Bangalore, Pune, Nasik,
etc. are most appropriate places for the production of Carnation cut flowers.
Mostly Carnation is exported into Europe.
Carnations crop grow in every climate. In temperate zones mostly in glasshouses, in
subtropical places, in polyhouse and glasshouses.
1/14

2. Table of Contents
Carnation varieties
1. Standard Carnation varieties
2. spray Carnations varieties
3. Micro Carnation varieties
Soil requirement for Carnation Cultivation
Disinfection of Soil
Climate
1) Temperature
2) light
3) Humidity
Greenhouse for commercial carnation cultivation
Support Method
Bed material composition
Basal dose :
Carnation cultivation
Pinching in Carnation
Disbudding in Carnation
Nets handling
Irrigation system
Fertigation
Method of giving Fertigation
Disease and pest in Carnation
Diseases :
1. Fusarium wilt
2. Butt rust – Rhizoctonia solani
3. Rust-uromyces dianthii
4. Grey mould-Botrytis cinerea
6. Alternaria leaf stains
2/14

3. 8. carnation mottle virus
pest
1. Red Spider Mite
2. Aphids
3. Caterpillars
4. Root Knot Nematode
5. Thrips
Carnation cultivation Economic:
Carnation varieties
1. Standard Carnation varieties
The standard carnation has one big flower on a single stem. It is cultivated for large-scale
production.
2. spray Carnations varieties
The spray carnation has many shorter branches with more prominent blossom on every
branch.
3. Micro Carnation varieties
These carnation have shorter stems and greater production than spray varieties. Micro
carnation is used for as ornamental pot plants.
Soil requirement for Carnation Cultivation
Carnations cultivation could be a success in any kind of soil, but the soil must be well
drained. The best EC during vegetative phase is 1.2 mS/cm. And throughout the generative
period is 1.5 to 1.7 mS/cm.
A rich sandy loam is ideal soil carnation. organic matter or compost used to improve
productivity
Disinfection of Soil
Before plantation of Carnation cultivation, disinfection of land is needed.
The different Procedures of sterilization are :
1. Steam: Not possible for Indian
2. Solarization: Cover the ground with vinyl for 6 – 8 months. Sunrays will heat Up the
dirt, which will kill many parasites.
3. Chemical
Hydrogen Peroxide with silver
1. wet the beds with irrigation water.
2. Mix water with hydrogen peroxide at a rate of 35 ml per/lite.
3/14

4. 3. Apply this solution evenly on soil beds. Use one liter of mix solution ( Hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) with silver + water) For the one-meter area. After that in 4 to 6 hours
the crop can be planted.
Advantages of hydrogen peroxide with silver
1. Really simple and secure to use with no hazardous effect on human health.
2. Affordable.
3. Eco-friendly and doesn’t create any harmful effects on plants.
4. Plantation can be performed out 4 to 6 hours following fumigation.
5. Destroys almost any fungal, viral and bacterial existence in addition to larva and eggs
of these pests in the soil.
6. Stable in a broad assortment of temperature and pH.
Climate
1) Temperature
Temperature is the Significant factor that affects the development And flowering of
carnation. The perfect environment for carnation production needs to have a cold but
steady temperature, low humidity and long days with high light intensity.
Finest grade carnations are made in areas having high light intensity through winter and at
the same period, the temperatures during summer months are mild.
In case of carnation growing, moderate temperatures are favored. Infection at night is vital
for quality. The difference between day and night temperatures should be big enough and
the night temperatures low enough to raise carnations of high quality.
High night and day temperatures, especially during flowering, contributes to abnormal
blossom opening and calyx splitting.
2) light
Carnations need high degrees to generate premium quality flowers. Carnations
required minimum 21500 Lux natural light intensity for adequate photosynthesis.
3) Humidity
In the first phases of development and growth, humidity should be kept around 80 to 85
percent. Whereas at complete growth phase it must be 60 to 65 percent. The hot and
humid climate isn’t acceptable for carnation cultivation.
Greenhouse for commercial carnation cultivation
Criteria for selecting Greenhouse project site:
very good connectivity to nearest market
Electricity provision
4/14

5. Availability of superior quality of water
labor availability
1. Adequate ventilation area is necessary on sides and top.
2. To protect the plants in the rain at the monsoons, without impacting the atmosphere
Circulation side drapes should be stored openly at slanting position
3. To control light intensity white color shaded net (50 percent) is utilized. Roughly
50,000 lux light intensity is called for on the plant level.
4. Employ whitewash to east, west and west sides of the greenhouse to shield plants
from glowing light intensity through the summer season.
Support Method
Great support substance is vital for the achievement of this farming. The carnation crop
required 5 or 4 layers of service material.
If the carnation crop isn’t supported well enough, then it is going to collapse. This will
cause bent stalks and stagnation of this harvest growth. For support, the material is the
metal cable, or plastic rope is used.
The carnation crop grows on raised bed 20 to 25 cm this will improve better drainage
capacity.
To make the more favorable growing condition for carnation organic matter ( FYM) is
added in bed with the basal dose of NPK fertilizer.
5/14

6. Bed material composition
Basal dose :
Neem cake (@1 kg/m2) should Be implemented after fumigation, in the time of Bed prep
as preventative against nematodes.
Carnation cultivation
6/14

7. Checks the EC and pH of the soil after use of basal dose and before the plantation. EC
needs to be 1mS/cm.
buy a carnation plant from a renowned high-tech nursery like KF Bioplants, Rise n’ Shine
Biotech
Carnation plant approximate price is 10rs to 12rs, for one acre 80,000 plant required.
Shallow planting is vital in tropical places. Place the netting on the beds prior to planting.
Ideal requirements for planting- hot, humid and a quite bright climate.
Important tips for reducing mortality in Carnation
1. Fumigation process is absolutely vital to stop the intrusion of soil-borne diseases.
2. The added FYM in bed must be entirely decomposed.
3. Don’t offer any high showering. Practice just surface watering and prevent splashing
water on foliage. If overhead irrigation is essential, do it early in the morning if plants
will dry fast.
4. Never shut the side curtains in day
5. Adhere to the 21-day program which basically contains preventative fungicides and
insecticides, along with the compounds that improve the main growth and
establishment of this plant.
6. Don’t postpone the operation. Carry out pinching after two weeks on the 5th foliage
set.
Pinching in Carnation
Pinching is a significant cultural performance
at the successful creation of excellent quality
carnations. After planting, the pinching has
been developing a major stem.
If abandoned unpinched, this most important
stem generates a “Crown blossom.”
Pinching is a significant function in Carnation
which entails removal of their bud-head of the
main stem from an early phase. This permits
the side shoots to grow. These shoots make
the initial flush.
Pinching process means breaking the crop head. The ideal time for pinching is in the
morning because the head of carnation plant easily breaks
The pinching process starts three months after planting. Immediately after pinching it’s
very good to generate a spray therapy with Captaf or Bavistin (1.5gm/lit).
Disbudding in Carnation
7/14

8. The practice of removing undesirable immature flower buds to maximum food for the plant
development.
for spray carnation variety central terminal bud removed and for standard carnation
variety side bud removed
Nets handling
It’s extremely important to raise the nets at the right time.
Raising net too early which makes difficult to choose crop. Raising too late enables the
harvest to fall to one side. After this occurs, stems bend and harvest losses are
unavoidable
Irrigation system
Throughout the first three weeks after planting you’ll require overhead sprinklers to stop
young plants from drying out.
Later, it’s possible to change to drip irrigation slowly.
Drippers should be put at a distance of 30 cm with 2 Iph discharge for sufficient supply.
Full grown carnation crop consumes 6 to 7 liters of water per m2 every day.
Fertigation
Create a soil analysis prior to planting.
Weeks provide only water (no fertilizers) because of carnation plant root not able to
consume any nutrition.
start Fertilization from 4th week onwards until 8th week: (Per 1000 m2 Every Day) Each
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
fertilizer Quantity
19:19:19 1000gm
0:52:34 540gm
13:0:45 360gm
MgNO3 360gm
Borax 180gm
micronutrients 150gm
every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Fertilizer Quantity
8/14

9. Ca(NO3)2 1140 gm
Fertilization from 8th week onwards until 12th week: (Per 1000 m2 every day).Each
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Fertilizer Quantity
19:19:19 1160gm
0:52:34 480gm
13:0:45 2150gm
Borax 230gm
Micronutrients 1130gm
every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Fertilizer Quantity
Ca(NO3)2 1140gm
If possible, have the soil analyzed every Two or Three weeks to determine whether it is
essential to alter the fertilization program.
Fertilization out of 12th week onwards until the end of flush: (Per 100 m2 every day).
The perfect water EC during generative growth must be approximately 1.6 mS/cm.
Continue using the above before the conclusion of the very first flower production peak.
Subsequently clean water for one weekly, no fertilizers. Wash the dirt and eliminate extra
nutrients.
Method of giving Fertigation
Fertigation should be provided early in the morning at 6 am for greater use from the plants.
Take recommended amount of fertilizers and then dissolve them in the adequate amount
of water.
It’s crucial to provide fertilizers with the recommended amount of water to keep EC
optimal. Thus, operate drip irrigation method for the prescribed time.
After each fertigation, open flush valve to drain water off out of laterals and sub-mains.
Gently wash out the fertigation system to prevent any kind of malfunctioning.
Disease and pest in Carnation
always maintain Cleanliness, cleanliness environment is vital due to environmental
restrictions, spraying application, which requires weekly implementation.
9/14

10. Identifying disease at the initial stage is important.
The most favorable conditions for fungi are humidity and higher humidity.
Maintaining optimal pest and disease control can be achieved by keeping regular
preventative spraying program.
Don’t spray on weak plants as a result of extreme sunlight sown in a comparatively dry
condition.
Diseases :
The significant carnation diseases and their potential control measures are described
below
1. Fusarium wilt
The disorder caused by Fusarium oxysporum is among the most serious disease
Wilting of foliage, often only on a couple of branches followed by departure. Rotting of the
stem below floor level with inner brown streaking extending around the stem.
When pulled, the plant breaks off easily while the company roots stay in the soil. Infected
cuttings wilt and die quickly.
Control Measure
The ideal control measures are dirt sterilization or chemical fumigation of the soil,
use of pathogen-free crops and basic sanitation at the greenhouse
Rogue and destroy diseased plants to decrease the source of disease.
Benomyl or Ridomil @ two gm/lit of water drenching.
2. Butt rust – Rhizoctonia solani
Butts occasionally show a brownish discoloration and breaking just below ground level.
The brown rot can stretch up the stem.
Control Measure
Plant substance derived from pathogen analyzed stock into the fumigated land.
proper ventilation, Fantastic drainage, shallow planting increase carnation immunity
against R. solani
Moderate fertility level.
drenching with fungicide reduce butt rust
(Bavistin or Benomyl @ two gm/lit) before planting.
If the infection develops eliminate infected plants and start Ridomil or Benomyl
treatment
3. Rust-uromyces dianthii
10/14

11. Initial infections appear as pale green shellfish such as swellings, which erupt releasing red
to dark brown powdery masses of spores. The disease is normal under warm, humid
conditions.
control measure
Avoid to leaves wet.
Rogue contaminated plants.
Maintain a routine preventative spray program with Mancozeb
4. Grey mould-Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Originally a moist tan colored blotch grows on petal tips and spreads quickly
throughout the petals to make a fluffy grey mold. This disorder could create on cut flowers
while in transit.
control measure
Reduce humidity, keep excellent ventilation and hygiene clinics.
Avoid injuring blossoms.
5. stem and root rot
Withering and yellowing of foliage, foliage departure, outside browning of stalks and inner
workings in nodes. Stem and root rot might be present. Wet conditions, over watering and
poorly drained soils prefer developments of this illness.
control measure
Avoid overwatering and poorly drained soils.
Drenching using Benomyl @ two gm/lit or Rovral (0.5 gm/lit).
Drench using Thiram @ 3 gm/lit.
6. Alternaria leaf stains
Little purple stains appear on the leaves, stalks and sometimes on the blossoms. These
grow into stains up to 5 millimeters in diameter with brownish middle surrounded by a wide
purple margin. Spores resembling black specks grow randomly in the middle of stains.
control measure
Avoid excess moisture from plants.
7. Fairy ring spots
11/14

12. Whitish tan colored stains up to 5 millimeters in
diameter surrounded by a narrow reddish purple
margin. Black pin-head sized spore masses
happen in concentric rings around the surface
of those stains.
control measure
spray mancozeb and sulphur with 1.5gm/lit and
1gm/lit respectively
8. carnation mottle virus
In carnation plant CMV commonly find viruses. Normally infected crops are symptom
significantly less, but some cultivars can demonstrate a mottling pattern on the leaves. It
reduces flower production and quality and might cause inconsistent colour ethics in the
petals. CMV does not have any known rector and can be highly contagious.
control measure
Prevention is the only option to control this virus. CMV cannot be controlled by treatment.
Use plants derived from pathogen analyzed stock and keep rigorous hygiene practices to
lessen the disease.
pest
1. Red Spider Mite
This is a quite serious insect on carnations. Red Spider Mite feed on the undersides of their
leaves, suck the sap and the leaves turn pale, withered, bronze and also reveal severe
webbing.
2. Aphids
Symptoms: Aphids suck the sap in the leaves and disfigure the young development. In
acute attacks, they abandon tacky residue on the leaves and flower buds. Aphids may be
responsible for the transmission Of viruses.
3. Caterpillars
Caterpillars are largely an issue of this carnation bud. They damage carnation bud
completely.
12/14

13. 4. Root Knot Nematode
Leaves are yellowish in severe infestations and Stunted development of plants
5. Thrips
Thrips suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and patchy frequently
with black specks and minor wrinkling and thrips make streaks on flowers which makes
them unmarketable damaged.
Carnation cultivation Economic:
Carnation Cultivation Economic in 2008 sq/ meter (20 gunta)
Particular Details Amount
Area of Polyhouse 2008 square/meter
Polyhouse Construction Polyhous as per NHB norms,
GI pipe structure & imported
plastic @ Rs. 750 / per Sq. mtr.
1,506,000
Irrigation System Drip Irrigation system for plants
Fertigation unit, Water
Filtration unit
188,000
Bed Preparation Bed prepared
with Red Soil, Rice Husk,
FYM, Sand, etc.
180,000
Plants Plant Density:
20 plants/Sq.Mtr.
Total No. of Plants:
40,160 Nos.
Cost per Plant:
Rs.14/plant
562,240
Total Investment 2,436,240
cost of cultivation per year
Electricity 3.0 unit/day 50,000
Water requirement Approximate per year 50,000
Fertilizers Water Soluble Fertilizers 60,000
Labour 3- 4 labours per day 250,000
Crop Protection Spraying 70,000
Packing Material
Transport,Sales
Commission
Packing material,and
transport
162,000
13/14

14. Miscellaneous Maintenance, Depreciation 226,800
Subtotal 868,800
Returns Per Year
Yield / Plant / Year 12 481,920
Price per flower avg price 3.25
Total Returns Per Year 1,566,240
Cost of Cultivation Per Year 868,800
Net Return Per Year 697,440
Disclaimer: (The above calculations are indicative only.)
Share31
Tweet
Pin9
40 Shares
14/14