CUT-FLOWER CROPS 229 



270. Propagation by seeds. The carnation is re- 

 produced by seeds only to a limited extent. Usually a 

 carnation-grower has a few seedlings for the production 

 of new varieties. Cross pollination of flowers, which is 

 essential for the production of seeds, is a blending of the 

 characters of the two parents, and marked variations in 

 the resulting plantlet usually occur. 



Carnation plants are grown principally for the produc- 

 tion of large numbers of blooms. This causes a weakening 

 of the plant ; varieties tend to lose desirable characters, 

 or to " run out " after a few r years. New varieties are 

 necessary to keep up the standard of perfection in blooms. 



271. Propagation by cuttings. The common method 

 of increasing carnation plants is by cuttings. These are 

 taken during the months of February and March, from 

 parent plants w r hich show strong vigor, freedom from 

 disease and productiveness of bloom. The material 

 usually selected for cuttings is near the base of the flower- 

 ing stems. As a rule, these side-shoots give vigorous 

 plants, while cuttings taken from lower parts of the plant 

 often result in what is termed " grassy " plants. An 

 abundance of foliage is produced on such cuttings, but 

 few flowers. Cuttings taken from higher up on the flower- 

 ing stem have a tendency to shoot up a flower stalk quickly, 

 and a weak plant is the result. There is a difference of 

 opinion regarding the advisability of cutting back the 

 foliage after cuttings are taken. Some prefer to take a 

 short cutting, and not to cut the terminal leaves. There 

 is a belief that this injury to the foliage makes the cuttings 

 more susceptible to disease. Other growers shorten con- 

 siderably the foliage of cuttings. As soon as cuttings are 

 taken, they are inserted in sand in the cutting bench, 

 and given a uniform temperature. 



