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Annual Carnations.

As a PF grower for over 30 years I thought that I would once again have a go at growing some annual carnations (something I haven’t done for years). All the major seed companies sell annual seeds so they must remain quite popular with gardeners in general.

I settled for a packet of Thompson and Morgans Giant Chabaud Double Mixed. Sowing the packet in a seed tray in late spring produced dozens of seedlings; far more than I needed. This was certainly pleasing. So often, seed packets these days have hardly any seeds in them. I pricked out what I wanted, plus a few more to give away, into 3 1/2” pots ready to plant out in May. (Sorry I still work in Imperial)! It is important when pricking out to select both strong and weak seedlings to ensure there is a good mix of colours.

Planting out in May, two rows of twelve plants, they quickly established although the subsequent dry weather in the South did not help. Having to water by hand they were a very low priority in my garden. They grew to about 18 inches. I used my wire carnation supports on 4 foot canes, as for PF’s, which clearly were a bit too tall. However when they started to flower we were picking bunches for the house, and to give away. They lasted well into September. There was a good range of colour though I was disappointed there were no picotees as shown on the packet. (I found that one of the plants I gave away was a picotee).

So what about the flowers themselves? Well obviously they did not compare to my main love, PF’s. They were smaller and more rugged and when the drought turned to rain the blooms were not always at their best. But they kept on flowering and providing more and more bunches of flowers. And they were pleasantly scented, not as strong as some of the pinks and borders but very nice, over a much longer period.

They certainly provided plenty of blooms very cheaply. Clearly they would not appeal to those perfectionists who are exhibitors. But for the ordinary gardener they provided colour, scent and plenty of blooms. Will I be growing them again? Well yes! I think I will. Next year I will look at other varieties and different companies. Perhaps other members will try annuals next year and their experiences will appear in the 2008 yearbook!

James Dennison
Oct 2006