How to Keep Fresh Cut Carnations Alive Out of Water

Unlike other types of flowers, bud-cut carnations can be stored for several months, if properly prepared. When taking them out of cool storage, trim off the tips of the stems and place them in warm water to hydrate the flowers. For best results, prepare only high-quality carnations, free of disease and defect. When storing the carnations, don’t store them with fruit. Fruit produces ethylene gas, which will hasten the flowers’ decay.

Things You'll Need

• Polyethylene sheets
• Sticky tape

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cool the flowers before wrapping for storage. Place them in 32 degrees F, with sufficient airflow. They are ready to wrap the next day.

   • 2

     Wrap the flower bundles individually in polyethylene sheets. Be careful not to smash the flowers or foliage.

   • 3

     Secure the sheet wrapping with sticky tape.

   • 4

     Store the flowers at 32 degrees F. Avoid temperature fluctuations, which will promote condensation, resulting in growth of harmful pathogens.