Propagation:

a. Seed propagation: Germination is completed in about 5 to 10 days and seedlings are ready for transplanting within 20 to 30 days of germination.

b. Vegetative propagation: Terminal cuttings should be harvested with 4 to 5 pairs of leaves. Cuttings taken from healthy plants fertilized with adequate nitrogen were found to root better. Cuttings may be stored at –0.5 to 1oC for several weeks before rooting. Various materials, such as sand, perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss are used as rooting media. Rooting of cuttings occurs better during cooler months. Treatment of cuttings with rooting hormone (500-1000 ppm) before planting improves rooting.

c. Micro-propagation: Shoot tips are mainly used for micropropagation. The ideal pH of the medium before autoclaving was found to be 5.7. The cultures are maintained at 25^oC and multiple shoots develop from the explants.

Soil and climate

1. Soil: A rich sandy loam soil is considered ideal for successful production of carnation. The best ratio of soil mixture is 50:30:20 sand: loam: clay respectively. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
2. Photoperiod: Long day promotes flowering while short days tend to delay it. Cyclic lighting increases the fresh weight of flower and strength of stalk while continuous lightening reduces flower quality. Long photoperiods inhibit lateral shoot development and induce early flowering while short days reverse it.
3. Light intensity: Low light intensity results in low yield of flowers. High light intensity during winter and cool temperatures during summer induce better plant growth and flowering. Usually, a 100-watt bulb is sufficient for artificial lighting when used at every 10 m2 placed at 1.5 m above the growing shoot.
4. Temperature: Carnation needs ample sunshine. Stems become thinner and weak, and internodes longer in high temperature. The optimum range of night temperature during winter is 10 to 15⁰C. A Day temperature of 18.3⁰C was found to be optimum for getting maximum number of fancy grade flowers.
5. Relative humidity: The relative humidity of 50-60% favours growth and flower production.