Cravos, Let’s Cultivate Freedom?

Everyone knows, or at least should known, where the cravos that went to the rifle in the April Revolution came from. The cravo became a symbol of Portugal for the world, the most striking emblem of our country in the twentieth century, joining the fascist regime and revolutionary liberation.

However, few know that the cravo is known as the Flower of the Gods. Its scientific name is dianthus caryophyllus. It is an exotic plant, much mentioned in Greek mythology and Roman mythology. It receives, in Rome, the name of “Flower of Jupiter”, to present characteristics similar to the god of the same name, which represents, for the Roman mythology, the same one that Zeus represents for the Greek mythology. Of varied colors, this flower has many petals and also a very straight rectilinear stem, cylindrical and tubular with a beautiful branch. The size varies by species, and can reach up to one meter in height.

How to cultivate?

The cravo can be planted year-round, however it will not germinate at very low temperatures. The ideal soil temperature should be between 21 ° C and 24 ° C. The seeds are relatively large and easy to handle. Soak the soil / substrate well and bury the seeds just enough to cover them. Keep the humidity high all the time until the first signs of germination, which takes about 3 to 7 days.

Once stabilized, decrease the watering frequency so that the soil can dry slightly. Excessive moisture can cause problems with fungi and can cause the root to rot. They are very resistant to cold since small, and tolerate frosts without problem. After the first leaves develop, you can gradually move to the sun to prevent the branches from stretching when looking for light.

The clove needs a mixture of soil rich in organic matter, which:

Garden common;
Vegetable soil;
Organic compost.

If you plan to plant cravos in pots:

1. Add expanded clay or gravel to the bottom of the vessel;
2. On top of the expanded clay add the bidim blanket or polyester blanket to filter the water and prevent the soil from seeping through the clay balls (or stones), clogging the drain;
3. Add the soil rich in organic matter as described above and undo a little of the clod with your hands so that the roots adapt more quickly to the pot; To finish the pot and also to prevent weeds from appearing add tree houses.
4. Lastly, leave a space between the waterings so that the soil dries a bit, especially in winter. When watering, do not wet your leaves, just the soil. It is also important that vessels have openings to drain unabsorbed water from the plants.

But what I liked was to know a real producer of cravos and you? Briefly in our project.

Be a farmer for a day!