Russalka - a New Bulgarian Mini Carnation Variety

B. ATANASSOVA

Institute of Flower Breeding, BG-1222 Negovan – Sofia, Bulgaria

Abstract

ATANASSOVA, B., 2000. Russalka – a new Bulgarian mini carnation variety. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 6: 613-614

Carnation is a major greenhouse plant. Its high transportability and ability to grow in relatively low winter temperatures - 10-15 0C makes it preferable to other flower plants. In Bulgaria, mainly large-flowered and mini carnation varieties with perpetual flowering are grown that allow for a year-round production of cut flowers. The reorientation of Bulgaria to market economy lead to the pursuit of an equal partnership position on the world flower market by means of developing new competitive carnation varieties.
The selection activity with large-flowered carnation in Bulgaria has started more than 30 years ago, the result being a great number of varieties, selected by Prof. A. Boykov and known as the Bulgarian type. In the recent 10 years, the first eight mini carnation varieties were developed at the IFB in Negovan, Bulgaria - five in 1992, two in 1994 and Russalka variety – in 1998.

Key words: mini carnation, Bulgarian carnation variety