How to Make Carnations Live Longer

Cut Carnations

• 1

  Cut about 1 inch of the stem on the carnations every few days. Hold the stems of the flowers in a sink filled with water. Make the cut at an angle while holding the stems under water. This keeps air bubbles from forming on the stem, which makes it harder for the carnations to absorb water.

• 2

  Change the water in the vase daily. Empty out the vase and clean it well. Fill it three-quarters full with clean, room-temperature water. If you have flower food, add it to the clean water according to the package instructions.

• 3

  Pull off any foliage that is below the water line. This helps to keep bacteria in check, which can decrease the life span of the flowers.

• 4

  Sit the vase of flowers in a spot that is away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, vents or drafts. Ideally, the temperature in the room should be between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Planted Carnations

• 5

  Keep the carnations planted in full sunlight. They need at least four to five hours of direct sunlight each day.

• 6

  Water your planted carnations daily in the hot months. In the cooler months in spring and fall, they only need watering twice a week. Lightly mist the flowers with water and avoid overwatering or saturating the soil.

• 7

  Pinch off dead foliage and flowers at first sight. This keeps the other flowers from dying quicker.

• 8

  Avoid putting mulch around planted carnations. The stems need adequate air circulation to grow properly and mulch inhibits this.