!EXPRESS! FLOWERS : Carnations

CARNATIONS / MINI CARNATIONS-- These long-lasting flowers originate from the area around the Mediterranean. Also known as dianthus, carnations and mini carnations can have a spicy, clove-like fragrance and a vase life of 10-15 days with proper care. The serrated or saw-toothed petals come in a wide variety of solid and variegated colors, the most common of which are red, white, yellow, orange, purple and numerous shades of pink. Available year round, standard carnations have one, 2-3 inch flower per stem and are usually packed in bunches that contain twenty five stems, measuring 18-30 inches. Mini carnations will generally have 3 to 6 flowers per stem that measure approximately 1-1.5 inches. Mini carnations come in bunches that contain seven to ten stems measuring 14-22 inches.

Care and Handling:

Place 4-8 inches of cool water in a clean bucket and add preservative according to the manufacture's instructions on the package. (If the buds are tight, use warm water -at most 100 F -, in order to promote more rapid opening.)
Cut the stems 1 to 2 inches and place in the solution, making sure that all the leaves below the water line have been removed .
Adjust the top of the plastic sleeve which covers each bunch, so that it is even with the the tops of the flowers. This will insure proper air circulation. If storing the flowers for more than 36 hours, remove the sleeves.
Avoid overcrowding the bucket.
Keep the flowers away from sources of ethylene gas such as ripe fruits and decaying plant material. Sources of carbon monoxide must also be avoided.
After two days in the solution, place the flowers in clean water. This water should be changed every day and the stems should be trimmed approximately 0.5 inch every two or three days to promote longevity.