Carnations and Mini Carnations are one of the most popular flowers of all time and with very good reasons. Long-Lasting, these hardy flowers are available year-round in a spectrum of colors and variations that matches any theme or occasion you might dream of creating. Gorgeous texture with a light scent, carnations and mini carns are versatile and can be incorporated into any style of design. Following a few easy care and handling tips, Carns and Mini Carns are amazing performers.
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Ethylene Sensitivity
Solution:
Highly sensitive to ethylene, pre-mature petal wilting, petal inrolling and discoloration can occur due to no or incorrect use of anti-ethylene products. Carnations & Mini Carns can benefit from an ethylene action-inhibitor product containing 1-MCP or STS. We recommend EthylBloc™* during storage and transportation and an STS treatment at farm level immediately after harvest such as FloraLife® EthylGuard*. Be sure flowers are at a similar maturity level for efficient STS treatment. Flowers must be held at low temperature after treatment to maximize the efficacy of the anti-ethylene products.
Problem:
Disease Sensitivity
Solution:
Botrytis can develop in the blooms. Flowers get infected often, use anti-botrytis products. Practice good disease control regime during growing phase. Be sure not to over pack boxes and buckets to allow good airflow. Maintain cold chain with correct temperatures and humidity levels during shipping and storage to avoid condensation in sleeves which can lead to botrytis.
Problem:
Physical/Mechanical Damage
Solution:
Carnations & Mini Carnations are not prone to physical damage per say but do have a couple of quirks that require special attention. Stems can sometimes break easily at the nodes. Calyx splitting is also an occasional problem which can sometimes be reduced by wrapping flowers in the bud stage with tape. Breakage can be avoided by not strapping bunches too tightly inside box or over packing boxes resulting in bunches bending.
Need to Know: Carnations & Mini Carnations Helpful Hints
Properly Dosing and Mixing Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps Carnation & Mini Carn blooms fully develop
- Helps flowers stay hydrated and avoid wilting
- Results in longer vase life and better color development
Keep them Fresh!
- It is recommended to treat with an ethylene action-inhibitor such as EthylBloc™* during storage and transportation or FloraLife® EthylGuard* at farm level followed by hydration with FloraLife® Express Clear 100.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200.
- Use FloraLife® Transport Paper during shipping and storage.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers: FloraLife® Express Universal 300, FloraLife® Universal 300* or FloraLife Crystal Clear®* packets.
- Cooler / Storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C.
- Dry pack is the preferred method of shipping if cold chain is maintained. If shipping wet pack be sure the buckets have been properly cleaned and sanitized.
Performance
- Average vase life for Carns & Mini Carns is 7-21 days.
- Opening speed is generally slow. For long-term storage, harvest is done when buds are at the star stage. Harvesting at the 'paint-brush' stage with petals straight up will open faster. Warmer ambient temperatures will accelerate opening.
- Carns & Minis can be mixed with other flowers without any negative effects.
- When processing, Carnations and Minis are graded by stem length & strength, bloom diameter, free from defects, diseases, and pests. For Carnations, choose stems with closed blooms but showing full color. For Minis, choose stems with closed blooms, showing some color on lower buds. Avoid stems with slab sides, bullheads, blown heads, sleepy appearance, splits, discoloration, and damage from insects and diseases. If you aren't using FloraLife® Express technology, you'll want to re-cut stems. If water levels become low, you should repeat your processing steps replenishing with a freshly made flower food solution.
- Carnations and Mini Carns are truly "all purpose" flowers with stems that are hardy and long-lasting. You can add height or width to your designs or add fantastic groupings of color and texture. They perform well in foam but be sure to hydrate for a few hours prior to designing. Cut stems at an angle between nodes before inserting into foam and check foam saturation daily to keep stems hydrated.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
- DO NOT display near ripening produce or products that produce ethylene.
FIFO
Our recommendation for inventory rotation is to follow the FIFO (First in First Out) guidelines and to follow strict cold chain protocols.
Have questions or need information? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representative for an in-person consultation!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.