Standard carnations are dicot plants with opposite, bluish green leaves that are long, narrow, curled, and covered in white wax. They produce many colored flowers individually on stems from fat calyces. To select healthy carnations, look for long straight stems supporting flowers without brown or gray petals and undamaged calyces. Changing preservative water and keeping carnations cool extends their 2 week lifespan out of storage. Most carnations are grown in Colombia.

1. Standard Carnation Group: Cut Flowers & Foliage Type of Plant: Dicot Leaf Arrangement: Opposite Identification : Bluish green stem and leaves, covered with white wax. Leaves long, narrow, and curled, looks monocotty. Lumps at nodes. Flowers in MANY different colors; Has a fat calyx. One flower per stem. Dianthus species

2. How to pick healthy carnations : Long, straight stems which support the flowers. No brown or gray discoloration on the petals. No split calyx – untaped is better. No “sleepy” petals. How to keep them fresh : Keep them cool and out of the sunlight. Change water and use a floral preservative. How long will they usually last? Two weeks out of the cooler. Where are they grown? Mostly Colombia. Miniature Carnation Dianthus species