6 CARNATIONS 


Cultural Suggestions 
The demand for our booklet on Cultural Suggestions, which was distributed free 
to growers for the asking, has been so very heavy that the publication is out of 
print at the moment. We are writing a new booklet, enlarged and altered in the 
light of broader experience and new methods, and hope to have it available in 
time to be included with your order. Meanwhile, in this price list, we will attempt 
to answer briefly some of the questions most frequently put to us, and try to 
assist you in handling the stock you receive from us as successfully as possible. 
All cuttings are treated with FERMATE or ZERLATE before being placed in the 
propagating bench. These are very effective fungicides, and are employed to 
reduce the possibility of disease. Fermate is a black, soot-like material, and 
leaves a black residue on the cuttings. Zerlate is a white powder. Both of these 
may be used as sprays on growing plants. In addition to the use of these mater- 
ials, all propagating sand is steam sterilized. 
The cuttings you receive are ready to be planted. Do not put them back in the 
propagating sand. Ordinarily they will not require shading, but if they have 
been in transit several days during warm weather, and have softened up, or if 
they are planted during warm, bright weather, some shade placed over them 
DURING THE HEAT OF THE DAY ONLY will help the plants to become estab- 
lied. As soon as the roots become established and the plants stiffen up, apply 
no further shade at any time. 
Cuttings are packed in such a way that they will tolerate two weeks or more in 
transit under favorable conditions without injury. If the cuttings are slightly 
wilted, they may be immersed in water for a short period and then planted. 
Protect them from strong sun until they are established. If cuttings are slightly 
frozen, place them in a cool room and thaw them out gradually, or immerse them 
in a bucket of cold water to take the frost out. NEVER APPLY HEAT TO 
FROZEN CUTTINGS. Thaw them gradually, plant them in a cool place, and 
protect them from strong sun until they are established. If cuttings are badly 
frozen so that p!ant tissues are damaged, or if the cuttings have heated and show 
signs of yellowing or rotting, it is best to discard them, and a claim should be 
filed with the carrier at once. 
We realize that in some sections of the country potting is necessary, or is common 
practice. However, we do not recommend potting where flatting is possible. 
Plants are more difficult to carry properly in pots, will require more labor and 
will take up valuable bench space. There is less danger of plants drying out in 
flats, or becoming root-bound, cultivation may be practiced, and, as a rule, plants 
do better in flats. Flats should not be over 3” deep, may be placed on racks, 
and are easily moved from place to place. Plant bands, either wood or paper, 
may be used successfully, but we recommend that these be placed in flats. The 
3” band is most satisfactory. 
Carnations will tolerate a wide range of soil structure and acidity. A medium 
light soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 is considered best, but it is better to 
have the soil slightly acid than on the alkaline side. In the case of small green- 
house ranges, the soil for benches may be composted, although this is not neces- 
sary, and in the case of a large range, may be impossible. Soil may be condi- 
tioned perfectly in the field. 
Deep planting is always dangerous in flats, in the field or in benches. Make a 
hole large enough to accomodate the roots without rolling them up in a ball, 
press the soil firmly about the roots, and do not bury the stem any deeper than 
is necessary to hold the plant upright. 
If bench soil has been properly prepared, no fertilizer should be required for two 
months or more after planting, and then only when soil tests indicate their need. 
About three months after benching, assuming that plants are growing properly, 
a balanced fertilizer may be added at the rate of three or four pounds per 100 
square feet. We like VIGORO with its 4-12-4 formula, but different soils and 
different circumstances often call for a different formula. This balanced fertilizer 
