Carnations, formerly known as fragrant stones, are part of the Dianthus genus in the Dianthus family.

Cultivated for over 2000 years worldwide, these evergreen sub-shrubs, reaching 60-90cm heights, boast a prominent position as one of the world's four central cut flowers.

Representing 17% of all cut flowers, carnations yield the highest production per unit area in the indoor cut flower category.

With a flowering period from May to October, the versatile carnation comes in various colours, such as yellow, red, and white. It can be propagated through sowing, pressing, cutting, and tissue culture.

Renowned as the world's mother's flower, carnations earned this status through a poignant historical moment. In May 1934, the United States issued "Mother's Day" commemorative stamps featuring a mother gazing lovingly at a vase of delicate carnations.

This image became synonymous with motherly love, and today, many Western countries celebrate Mother's Day on the first Sunday in May, with children offering carnations as a noble gift to express gratitude for their mothers' kindness.

Early on, extensive breeding programs enriched the carnation's variety, introducing single, semi-double, and double blooms in various colours, patterns, and petal edges. Despite losing the scent to achieve prolonged blooming periods, these hybrids, including odd, snowflake, flame, and lace varieties, remain popular for their timeless appeal as cut flowers.

Temperature regulation is crucial in cultivating high-quality carnations and influencing flower growth.

Optimal night temperatures range from 10-15℃ in winter, 12.7℃ in spring, and 13.0-15.4℃ in summer. Maintaining appropriate water stress during the pre-growth and developmental stage reduces cut flowers' sensitivity to ethylene while providing ample nutrients, especially calcium and potassium, during vegetative growth, ensuring an extended postharvest life.

Considering the ecological habits of carnations, choosing warm climates, elevated terrains, and well-ventilated areas with deep, fertile soil becomes imperative. Nursery lands with a pH of 6.0-7.0 should undergo deep turning, incorporating rotted manure and composite fertilizers for optimal growth.

Carnations stand as a symbol of timeless beauty and the profound love between a mother and child. The rich history, diverse varieties, and meticulous care required for cultivation underscore the significance of carnations in our lives floral and emotional landscapes.

In the intricate world of flora, carnations emerge as resilient, evergreen sub-shrubs with a rich history spanning over two millennia. Recognized as a cornerstone in cut flowers, carnations of the Dianthus genus captivate with their vibrant hues—yellow, red, and white—reflecting a spectrum of emotions.

Beyond ornamental allure, carnations hold the poignant title of the world's mother's flower, a sentiment born from a historic stamp design in May 1934.

Today, as Mother's Day dawns, the delicate carnation becomes a noble gift, symbolizing the enduring bond between a child and their cherished mother. Cultivating these timeless blossoms requires a delicate dance with temperature, water stress, and nutrient enrichment, ensuring that carnations remain a visual delight and a cherished emblem of love and gratitude.

Beyond aesthetics, the delicate balance of temperature, water stress, and nutrient infusion in cultivation ensures these blossoms are enduring symbols of elegance, resilience, and the profound connection between nature and emotion.