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Supplemental care
and marketing tips: 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.
Botanical name:
Dianthus Caryophyllus Genus pronunciation: die-AN-thus
Genus pronunciation:
Common relatives: Sweet William, chickweed,
baby's-breath and silene
Botanical fun facts:
Dianthus is Greek for flower of Jove. Commonly referred
to as "pinks", most are well-suited to rock garden environments
since many species are native to alpine habitats. Ethylene sensitive:
It is ethylene sensitive.
Ethylene sensitive:
It is ethylene sensitive.
Storage temperature
(three days or fewer): 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit
Storage temperature (more than three days): 31-33
degrees Fahrenheit
Purchasing hints:
Standard carnations ship better and last longer
if purchased in the bud stage while miniature carnations should
be purchased when at least one flower per stem is open.
End-user life:
6 - 14 plus days
Special concerns:
It is ethylene sensitive; however, miniature types
do not always respond well to STS because the different flower maturities
do not take up the STS solution equally. While it is difficult to
recognize water-stressed carnations, severe reduction in vase life
is the result, so keep them hydrated when held above 36-38 degrees
Fahrenheit. Calyx splitting (splits) can only be prevented by grower
practices.
Care and Handling
information is from the "Flower and Plant Care Manual",
Written by George Staby, Ph.D., Used with the permission of publisher,
The Society of American Florists, 1601 Duke St., Alexandria, VA.
22314-3406.
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