Carnations: Re-discover an old favorite!

LivRio Magazine November 2025, powered by FloraLife

Carnations have long been a staple of the floral industry, but far from being old-fashioned, these beauties have experienced a revival thanks to the new varieties that are available in subtler color palettes than their predecessors.

If you haven’t already, take a look at varieties like ‘Hypnosis’, and ‘Antigua Antique’ which prove carnations are any but old-fashioned.

Care & Handling

Purchasing

• For Standard Carnations, choose stems with closed heads but showing full color, and ¾ to fully open.
• For Spray Carnations, choose stems with closed buds, showing some color on lower buds.

Processing

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express Ultra 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F (1- 3° C) with 75 – 85% relative humidity.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.  
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

Vase Care

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).

*Product availability depends upon geographical region