How to Dye Carnation Flowers

You don't have to settle for white carnations.

When making a floral arrangement, change the color of carnations by doing what the florist does -- dye or paint the blossom. Carnations are easy flowers to dye. The flower does most of the work, drawing up the dye through its stem, like a straw, and ultimately changing the color of the blossom. For best results, use white carnations when stem dying. Dye isn't the only way a florist changes the color of a carnation. You can use floral paint, similar to a can of spray paint, and spray the paint directly on the center of the flower's face.

Things You'll Need

• Stem dye
• Vase
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Mix the stem dye and hot water in the vase or a similar container. You'll need about 3 inches of the mixture. Follow the manufacturer's instruction on the proportion of water to dye and the amount to use, as this may vary by the brand of stem dye you purchase. Shop for stem dye online or at craft stores.

2. Trim the end of each carnation's stem at an angle, removing about 2 inches.

3. Place the trimmed carnations, stem first, in the vase. The carnation's stem will drink up the dye. It can take up to 24 hours.

4. Remove the carnations from the dye and rinse the stems under water. Cut off another inch from the bottom of each stem.

Tips & Warnings

• Try this with kids using food coloring to dye white carnations.

References

• "Flower Confidential"; Amy Stewart; 2008
• University of Nebraska Lincoln: Colorful Carnations