How to Cut the Stem of a White Carnation

Favored for their clove-like aroma and long-lasting blooms, white carnations are common at weddings, holiday celebrations and other special events, as well as in sympathy arrangements at memorial services. Like all flowers, white carnations require special care before and after they are plucked from the ground. Properly trimming a carnation’s stem is essential to allowing water into the stem’s water ducts and extending the carnation’s life span. Cut the stem of a white carnation during later afternoon or evening to prevent the flower from wilting too quickly.

Bucket
Gardening shears
Plastic bag

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the white carnation’s foliage to determine whether the stem is ready for picking. A carnation is ready for picking after its bud has begun to open, but before the bud deteriorates. Pick the carnation if it is developed enough, otherwise wait until the carnation develops further.
- 2
  Pull all of the leaves off the lower half of the carnation’s stem to prevent bacterial infection and help preserve the flower’s life span. In additional, remove all leaves and petals infested with disease or bugs.
- 3
  Fill a bucket with one quarter inch of warm water before you cut the carnation’s stem to ensure the flower has immediate access to water.
- 4
  Cut 1 inch off the bottom of the carnation’s stem using clean gardening shears. Slice the stem at a sharp angle between the nodes while holding the stem under warm, flowing water.
- 5
  Place the carnation in the bucket with the flower’s cut stem submerged in the warm water. Cover the carnation with a plastic bag to keep the flower from wilting.

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