How to Color Carnations

To color carnations, you can use the plant's vascular system to carry dye to the petals. The process is the same as the one the plant uses to transport water and nutrients to the blossoms and foliage. As those parts lose moisture through the pores, called stomata, the carnation stem sucks the water in the vase for distribution to the various plant sections before they die of thirst. If the water happens to be colored, the flower petals absorb the pigment. The change is especially visible on white carnations.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup water
• Flower vase
• 30 drops food dye
• Spoon
• Scissors

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pour 1/2 cup water into a vase or similar container.

   • 2

     Squeeze 30 drops any color food dye into the water. Mix it with a spoon.

   • 3

     Cut the bottom inch of each carnation stem at 45 degrees.

   • 4

     Place the carnations in the water and dye mixture. The color travels through the stems, changing the color of the petals within 24 hours. The shorter the stem, the quicker the color change occurs.