Introduction to HorticultureFloral Design

Flower: CarnationTerm: Conditioning

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

Conditioning

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

Types of flowers

• Line – Flower forms a point

Mass

• Round flowers that form the bulk of an arrangement

Form

• Flowers with a particular or different shape

Filler

• Small flowers with multiple blooms per stem or greenery

What type of flower is this?

• Mass• Form• Line• Filler

What type of flower is this?

• Mass• Form• Line• Filler

What type of flower is this?

• Mass• Form• Line• Filler

What type of flower is this?

• Mass• Form• Line• Filler

What type of flower is this?

• Mass• Form• Line• Filler

Transpiration

Flowers continue to transpire after they have been cut

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

Conditioning

• Replaces & prevents the conditions that cause deterioration

• Use a chemical mixture • Florists use “Floral Life”• You can use Sprite or 7-up

Conditioned water

• Lower pH – acidic water (pH3.2 – 4.5) maximizes hydration & slows bacterial growth

• Provide nutrition – glucose/sugar• Kill bacteria and fungus – preservative

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.

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

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

This weekFloral 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.