Carnation growing is one of greenhouses that most light demands because the growth and guidance of the flowers depends on sunlight.

 

Traditionally the best suited greenhouses for carnation growing was saw-tooth greenhouses model. Currently Polytunnel Greenhouses, preferably curved roof or Gothic type are used with high aeration.

Climate Conditions for carnation growing:

• About 15 – 18 degrees daytime temperature not surpassing 21 degrees in summer.
• About 10 - 12 degrees nighttime temperature.
• Cooler temperatures reduce production, but improve the quality of flowers.
• The minimum temperature for vegetative growth is around 8 ° C, although the carnation tolerates temperatures up to -3 / -4 ° C without freezing.
• The maximum temperature is around 35C.ºC.
• Need an illumination of 40,000 lux. Light also determines the stiffness of the stem and the size and number of flowers.
• Require an average relative humidity of 60-70%.

Main problems due to climate

High HR: Encourage fungal growth. High relative humidity, with temperatures around 37 produce, diseases like leaf spot caused by Pseudomonas andropogonis, or rusts. It also causes the stalks break more easily, being very plump.

With low light:  The shoots grow weak, the stems are etiolated and increases sensitivity to disease.

High temperatures: The formation of flower buds stop for over 25 degrees. The temperature fluctuations increase the generation of a greater number of petals opening the cup, this phenomenon is common in crops under shelter or just heating frost, this reaction results highly attenuated in Mediterranean carnations.

Low temperatures: Below 0 ° C the carnation could form moles, petal deformations and discoloration. The formation of flower buds stop below 8ºC.

Best greenhouses for carnation growing

For carnation growing, depending on the area, are often used high-technology greenhouses with heating, humidity and temperature control. Typically grown in soil or hydroponic systems with substrates. In northern European countries use artificial lighting and carbon fertilization for their production.

Unlike greenhouse roses, these greenhouses require a larger volume of venting, so that the tunnel width is smaller than the above and zenithal windows require greater surface.

These types of greenhouses increase production using these technologies, and minimize problems arising in unfavorable climates for cultivation periods at the same time.