The document provides information about conditioning carnations for floral design. It defines conditioning as the process of preparing flowers for shipment, storage, or arrangement using a solution to prolong flower life. Carnations are described as having fragrant, long-lasting flowers available in many colors. Conditioning involves replacing the water in cut flowers every few days using warm water and a preservative solution to prevent deterioration and maximize absorption. The document outlines best practices for receiving and preparing new cut flowers like removing any damaged blooms, recutting stems, and allowing time to rehydrate in conditioned water.

1. Introduction to Horticulture Floral Design Flower: Carnation Term: Conditioning

2. Standard Carnation Genus Name: Dianthus Availability: year-round Color: white, red, yellow, orange, pink, lavender, purple, green, and various bi-colors Unique Characteristics: Flower is fragrant, long lasting and durable , and extremely versatile . Many cultivars are available. Shows ethylene sensitivity. Design Applications: Medium mass flower, uses are unlimited. Longevity: 10 – 14 days

3. Conditioning Conditioning: The process of preparing flowers for shipment, storage, or arrangement, Usually involves a conditioning solution to prolong flower life

4. Types of flowers Line – Flower forms a point

5. Mass Round flowers that form the bulk of an arrangement

6. Form Flowers with a particular or different shape

7. Filler Small flowers with multiple blooms per stem or greenery

8. What type of flower is this? Mass Form Line Filler

9. What type of flower is this? Mass Form Line Filler

10. What type of flower is this? Mass Form Line Filler

11. What type of flower is this? Mass Form Line Filler

12. What type of flower is this? Mass Form Line Filler

13. Transpiration Flowers continue to transpire after they have been cut

14. Why do Cut Flowers Deteriorate? Low water absorption Blocked xylem Loss of water Transpiration Loss of food No photosynthesis Disease Botrytis (fungus causes brown leaves) Ethylene Gas Produced by fruit and deteriorating plant material

15. Conditioning Replaces & prevents the conditions that cause deterioration Use a chemical mixture Florists use “Floral Life” You can use Sprite or 7-up

16. Conditioned water Lower pH – acidic water (pH3.2 – 4.5) maximizes hydration & slows bacterial growth Provide nutrition – glucose/sugar Kill bacteria and fungus – preservative

17. Conditioning old flowers Replace the water every 2 – 3 days Use warm water for maximum absorption Mix 1 heaping TBS conditioner per quart of water Stir until dissolved Cut flowers on a slant 2” from bottom or above any decay Remove any wilted leaves or flowers and any leaves that would be submerged Replace in clean containers w/ 3-4” of solution in the bottom.

18. Receiving New Flowers Unpack (Not Roses – until ready for them to open) Remove any that are browned or diseased Recut the stems Cut 2” from end Cut on a slant prevents stem from sitting flat on the bottom Allows more surface area Place in warm conditioned water. Allow 30 min to 1 hour out of the cooler to rehydrate after shipping

19. Receiving Flowers Roses: Cut stems under water Prevents air bubble blockage Milky or sappy flowers Burn the end with a candle Remove all foliage that will be underwater Slows bacterial growth

20. This week Floral Design Monday – Condition flowers, greenhouse Tuesday – bows, budvases, greenhouse, Wednesday - Design Basics, wiring taping Thursday – Substitute – worksheet & movie Friday - Bring in a coffee mug to make an arrangement to take home.