Articles
PROBLEMS OF CARNATION PRODUCTION IN EAST AFRICA
The high land in East Africa is suitable for carnation production which is concentrated around Nairobi, where plants are grown both under plastic sheds and in the open.
The production cuttings should be taken from imported disease-free mother plants.
Plants must not be planted in soil infected with spores of carnation vascular diseases.
Fertilizer should be given according to the need shown by soil analysis.
The plants must be irrigated frequently – daily during sunny periods – and kept free from pests and diseases.
The flowers should be harvested and shipped in the bud stage.
When marketed, the stems should be placed into a bud opening solution.
The flowers should be handled and sold by a Kenyan-controlled sales organization in Europe.
The production should be sufficient to fill an airplane twice or more times a week to secure a continuous supply.
Kenya today has very few qualified carnation experts, mostly expatriates, more attempts should be made to train local staff.