CARE AND HANDLING OF CARNATIONS

Care and Handling CARNATIONS AND MINI CARNATIONS
Bud-harvested flowers perform best because they are less sensitive to, and produce less, ethylene prior to the petals reflexing more than 90 degrees. They also can be stored for up to four months. Treat with STS and fungicide for Botrytis control prior to storage and then store at the proper temperature (31-33 degrees Fahrenheit) and relative humidity (95-98 percent). Premature petal wilting (referred to as going to ' sleep") is ethylene induced. Some cultivars are less sensitive to ethylene, while others do not exhibit marginal petal discoloration. The wide range of colors and forms, especially for miniatures, allows consumers to use and enjoy them in many ways. Some cultivars are very fragrant and are used to make perfumes. Fragrant cultivars have more consumer appeal.