Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen, Their Time of Application and Plant Density on the Growth and Flowering of Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus Linn.) Cv. Marguerite Scarlet*

An investigation was conducted to find out the optimum level of N, its suitable time of application and plant density on the growth and flowering of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus Linn.). Out of three levels of N (20, 40 and 60 g N/m²), 40 g N/m² significantly improved the vegetative parameters and production of flowers. However, the different levels of N failed to show any definite trend in calyx splitting and improving the keeping quality of flowers. Application of nitrogen in three splits (1/3 before transplanting + 1/3 one month after transplanting + 1/3 one month after second application) had dominating effect in increasing the vegetative parameters and flower production of blue grade in comparison to the application of N in single basal dose or in two splits. Splits application of N was associated with more calyx splitting and no significant effect on keeping quality of flowers. Density of 30 plants/m² increased the production/m² in comparison to 20 and 25 plants/m². Twenty five plants/m² proved suitable with respect to both vegetative parameters and flower production, however, 20 plants/m² produced more blue grade flowers.