How to Care for Cut Carnations

Change the water in your vase of carnations every three days.

Fresh flowers can add a splash of color to a room, and carnations often serve as a go-to choice because they are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Luckily, taking care of these flowers takes little time and effort. When properly cared for, a vase of fresh-cut carnations can last a week or more.

Things You'll Need

• Vase
• Water
• Flower food, if available
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Fill a clean vase three-quarters full with fresh, lukewarm water.

2. Add flower food to the water if your carnations come from a florist. The food granules will provide nourishment and kill any bacteria in the water.

3. Remove any leaves and other foliage that will fall below the water line in the vase. Pruning shears are the best tool for this task.

4. Arrange the flowers in the vase to your liking.

5. Place the flowers in a cool spot removed from direct sun exposure and other source of heat, such as appliances. Consider moving the plants to a basement or another cool spot at night so they last longer.

6. Replace the water in the vase when it becomes cloudy. Even if the water is not cloudy, you should replace it every three days.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not display carnations near fresh fruit and vegetables. These foods emit ethylene, which can shorten the lifespan of the flowers, the Colorado State University Extension reports. This is also one reason why you should never store carnations in the refrigerator to help keep them alive longer.

References

• Colorado State University Cooperative Extension: Keep Valentine Flowers Fresh Longer
• De La Flowers: Carnation Care Instructions Guide
• Denver Flowers: Fresh Cut Flower Care