Carnation - Mini
Common Names: Mini-Carnation
Botanical names: Dianthus (die-ANTH-us)
Availability: Year round
Vase life: 10 to 14 days
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Multi-petaled, double blossoms approximately 1 to 1.5 inches across on sprays of multi-branched stems and many blossoms per spray.
Color: Wide range of colors, not limited to: pink, white, red, purple, yellow, and orange; plus bi-colors and frosted varieties.
Botanical facts: The name is from the Greek words Dios (Devine) and Anthos (Flower).
Design notes: The wide range of colors and the versatility of the carnation makes it a popular flower in floral design. Mini-carnations are a good filler flower and for adding mass to an arrangement. Small buds and blossoms are popular for wedding and corsage work.
Purchasing hints: Purchase flowers with tight buds and one or two blossoms just open per stem. Avoid flowers that are shriveling or showing brown tips on the petals.
Conditioning: Cut two inches off of the stem ends with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: Mini-Carnations are very sensitive to the effects of ethylene gas. Ethylene may cause shriveling or browning of petal tips.
Video Demonstration: