| I remember seeing cut-flower carnations (dianthus caryophyllus) grown in a greenhouse in my youth -- They were not very presentable plants. The long stems had to be elaborately supported on horizontal rows of strings. They seem to enjoy a Mediterranean climate and grow best in cooler weather. To think one used to consider them almost too common! I think they do sell "dwarf" varieties of caryophyllus, or seeds thereof, for the home grower. I expect the flowers are indeed smaller. On the bright side, they are quick to germinate. For those that can grow them -- they like neutral soil -- the various perennial pinks are exquisite and marvelously fragrant. I think however that new varieties of all kinds are coming along that get better and better, as far as fragrance and ease of growth (well, easy for some people, I haven't found even some of these newer ones very long lived). I concur with Ispahan that Dianthus superbus is unmatched for fragrance, I with that the old "White lace" strain were easier to find. |
Here is a link that might be useful: for the cutflower trade
