All About Carnations

Carnations are known for their range of colors, styles, fragrance, and longevity.
The Carnation flower is delicate and fluffy with fringed petals.
There are two main types of Carnations, standard and spray (mini).

Start with clean, sanitized buckets (use FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner).
If you receive dry-packed, we recommend conditioning of stem ends to prevent blockage and promote solution uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
Place flowers in a flower food solution such as FloraLife® Express 300 per manufacturer’s directions. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
Store in a cooler at 34 - 38° F (1-3° C) with a relative humidity of 75-85%.
Allow a minimum of 2 hours to hydrate by placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

Begin with a clean container, (use FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner), and fill with solution or OASIS® Foam that has fully soaked in a solution such as FloraLife® Express 300 mixed per manufacturer’s directions.
Cut, or don’t cut stems if using FloraLife® Express Technology, approximately 1" at a 45° angle using clean, sanitized clippers or knife. You should always cut between nodes on Carnation stems.
Remove any foliage that would fall below the water line.
Place flowers in vase or insert stems into foam prepared with FloraLife® Flower Food solution.

Before Carnations leave the shop, apply FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray as a fine mist to refresh and hydrate blooms.
Spray with FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory® for corsages and boutonnieres.

When selecting Carnations, florists should choose stems with closed blooms. For standard carnations they should show the full color in the bloom but for spray carnations they will only show a small amount of color on the lower buds.
Carnations are ethylene sensitive—make sure that your supplier has treated with an ethylene action-inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ during transport or FloraLife® EthylGuard at farm level.
Never store or display fresh-cut flowers near ripening produce, direct sunlight, extreme heat, cold, or drafts.
Your best insurance policy? Send customers home with a FloraLife® Express Flower Food packet. Advise customers to repeat care and handling steps on the packet every 3 days or as needed for maximum enjoyment.

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