It is an opportunity to honor President William McKinley on this little-known but significant day. It offers a bigger chance to reflect on presidents’ sacrifices for the nation. McKinley was wounded at the Pan American Expo in Buffalo, New York, in 1901; he passed away eight days later.
McKinley is identified with the red carnation since he was known to wear one on his lapel. When he stood for Congress in 1876, the custom got started. Dr. Levi Lamborn, his rival, was an avid gardener who created a red carnation cultivar. He presented one to McKinley for his lapel before a debate.
McKinley believed the flower to be a fortunate charm and subsequently won the election. He continued to wear one throughout his time in politics. He would often give the flower to individuals he came across, even kids, off his lapel. Legend has it that he handed a little girl his lapel flower just before he was killed.
The red carnation is now Ohio’s official flower, largely thanks to Dr. Lamborn, who is also McKinley’s native state. Alliance, Ohio, where Lamborn was born, is also known as Carnation City.
What Do Red Carnations Mean?
Red carnations are used to honor President McKinley and remember him and his national achievements. However, carnations have always possessed particular connotations in general and according to hue, and they predate McKinley significantly.
A myth claims that carnations sprang from the soil where the Virgin Mary’s tears fell, which has led some people to equate all carnations with maternal affection. A popular red carnation connotation in more recent times is adoration. Deeper red blossoms represent devotion and love.
Appreciating Carnations
Why not cultivate this lovely flower as a way to honor Carnation Day? This is an old cultivated species that is often disregarded nowadays and need to have another opportunity to shine.
After being utilized regularly in the flower business, carnations developed a poor reputation. Carnations are really lovely and undervalued flowers, although many people think of them as cheap filler flowers. As annuals or perennials, they are also reasonably simple to cultivate.
Carnations make lovely border flowers or container plantings in the backyard garden. With a wide variety of flower hues, including red, that bloom from spring through autumn, they do well in zones 6 through 9. Additionally tasty and useful medicinally carnations.
Growing Carnations
From seed, carnations are simple to cultivate. Find some seeds to sow inside for spring gardening and use January 29 as an excuse. Starting these flowers from seed in January and February is ideal.
Sprinkle some soil mixture over the seeds and keep them wet. Wrap a plastic sheet across the seed tray to provide humidity as well as to keep the seeds warm. Within a few days, germination ought to occur. When the seedlings have two to three genuine leaves on each, thin them as they emerge and report them.
After the last frost, transplant your carnations outside when the seedlings are at least 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) tall. Carnations thrive in slightly alkaline, wet soil that drains well. Give either full sun or some shade.
Carnations do not necessarily need to be staked, although you may if you choose. If you want to utilize them as cut flowers, doing so is more crucial. You will get lovely, straight stems as a result.
Although few people are aware of National Carnation Day, it is a wonderful chance to learn more about this lovely flower and our 25th president.