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Flower profile

Carnation

Quick facts

Flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide on 1- to 2-foot stems. Miniature carnation varieties feature several small flowers on one stem.

Carnation

Carnation at a glance

Colors
  • White
  • Yellow
  • Pink
  • Red
  • Salmon
  • Fuchsia
  • Deep purple
  • Light green
  • Bi-colors
  • Flecked
Vase life
The fragrant cut flowers live up to three weeks
Size
Flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide on 1- to 2-foot stems

About carnations

Flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide on 1- to 2-foot stems. Miniature carnation varieties feature several small flowers on one stem. Colors include white, yellow, pink, red, salmon, fuchsia, deep purple, light green, bi-colors and flecked. The fragrant cut flowers live up to three weeks. Carnations are also popular as potted plants because of their long blooming season.

How to make carnations last

  1. Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
  2. Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
  3. Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
  4. Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
  5. Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.

Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →

Questions about carnations

What colors do carnations come in?

Carnations come in white, yellow, pink, red, salmon, fuchsia, deep purple, light green, bi-colors and flecked.

How long do carnations last in a vase?

The fragrant cut flowers live up to three weeks. Re-cut the stems, use the flower food from your florist and keep the vase cool and out of direct sun to get the most days.

How do you care for carnations?

Keep carnations cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents.

Where can I buy carnations?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.

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