Carnation Can Can
PlugStage – 288 cell (35 days)
Stage One (days 1-7) Single sow seed into a well-drained sterile media and lightly cover the seed until it is no longer visible. Ideal media pH is 5.8 to 6.2 with an E.C. less than 1.0 mhos. Moisten the media and germinate at a temperature of 65–70 °F, (18-21°C). The media should be kept uniformly moist as with other seeds. Overwatering while in the germination stage should be avoided as damping-off could develop.

Stage Two (days 8-15) When the seedlings begin to emerge reduce moisture levels and place the seed trays in a bright greenhouse with a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). When the cotyledons are fully expanded feed lightly with 75 ppm of Nitrogen using a wellbalanced calcium nitrate-based fertilizer.

Stage Three (days 16-27) The first true leaves are appearing and seedlings can now be fertilized with 150 to 200 ppm of Nitrogen to maintain a media E.C. of 1.0 to 1.2 mhos (2:1 saturated paste). Provide high light and good air movement and allow the soil to dry out in between waterings to reduce disease pressure.

Stage Four (days 28 – 35). Seedlings are approaching transplant stage. Reduce temperature to 60°F (15°C) and reduce watering to tone the plants and to maximize root hair growth.

Transplanting to Flower (105 - 135 days)
Pot Size: Carnation Can Can Scarlet is easily produced in cell packs or 4 inch pots (10 cm.) for green bedding plant sales. However, it is best suited for gallon pot sales in flower.

Media: Any media which is high in nutrient holding capacity and has a good drainage will suit the needs of Carnation Can Can Scarlet. However, the soil structure should be sufficient to support the growth of this crop for 3 to 4 months. Ideal pH range is 5.8 to 6.2.

Fertilization: Carnation Can Can Scarlet is a relatively heavy feeder. A constant liquid fertilization of 150 to 200 ppm of Nitrogen will yield a sturdy, compact plant with a profusion of flowers. Carnations are sensitive to boron deficiency and boron levels should be monitored closely. Scotts’ 15-5-20 Cal / Mag Pansy, Salvia and Vinca Special is recommended since it contains higher boron levels along with calcium and magnesium for strong stems. An application of slow release fertilizer is beneficial and if used the liquid fertilizer should be applied at 140 ppm Nitrogen. Ideal E.C. range is 1.2 to 1.5 mhos (saturated paste).

Temperature: After transplanting, the plants should be grown at a maximum day temperature of 59-64°F (15-18°C) and a minimum night temperature of 40-45°F (4-7°C). Night temperatures lower than 40°F (4°C) will delay growth and flowering. In general, the cooler the night temperature, within the recommended range, the greater the branching and the tighter, more compact the habit. Outdoor production is possible in mild climates. Similar to other carnations, growth can be hastened or slowed by raising or lowering the temperature.

Photoperiod: Flower initiation and development are a function of total light calorie accumulation and temperature, not photoperiod, and will occur year round if optimum temperatures are maintained.

Flowering: Flowering of Carnation Can Can Scarlet is dependent on the total amount of light calories that the plant receives. In areas where the light levels are not reduced, the crop time will vary much less as the seasons change from autumn to winter to summer. As with other carnations, Can Can Scarlet will respond to supplemental lighting during the darker months of the year. This will reduce the production time and allow a grower to even out year-round cropping time. Flowering will occur in 105 135 days from transplanting depending on the season, production temperatures and grower’s location. All of these factors are related to the effect of temperature and total light calories that the plants receive.

Growth Regulators: If grown cool with high light, no growth regulator applications are needed.

Pinching: No Pinching is required as Can Can Scarlet is self-branching.

Disbudding/Center Budding: No flower bud removal is recommended for Can Can Scarlet. The plants will naturally produce an abundance of 2-inch (5 cm.) flowers.

Seasonal Recommendations: As is typical for this genus, Carnation Can Can Scarlet is a cool season crop. Production will be limited to the cooler months of the year for any given production site. In the southern part of the U.S., or similar climates, this will mean sowing from September 1 to March 1. In northern areas sowing may be extended to late March. In areas with a year-round moderate climate,