What is the primary challenge in keeping carnations fresh, and how is it addressed in the study?

Carnations are popular cut flowers, and like other cut flowers, they eventually wilt. One method to extend the vase life involves the use of ethanol, which inhibits ethylene synthesis, the natural plant hormone that accelerates aging. The study also explores essential oils such as those from thyme, summer savory, and ajwain, as potential alternatives for extending the life of carnations.

What problems do carnations experience, and how do the solutions in the study aim to resolve them?

Vascular blockage, which is the accumulation of bacteria in the stem, hinders water uptake and shortens the display of carnations. The study shows that essential oils, especially summer savory essential oil at 100 ppm, have a significant impact on increasing the vase life of carnations, suggesting that these oils can potentially reduce the effect of vascular blockage.

What role did ethanol play in the study concerning carnation preservation?

Ethanol, in a 4% solution, was tested for its effect on carnations. It increased vase life, though the effect wasn't statistically significant in the study. It's considered a preserving agent that inhibits ethylene synthesis. The study used ethanol as a point of comparison when testing the effects of essential oils to see if they could have a more positive impact.

Which essential oil proved most effective in the study, and what were its key findings?

Summer savory essential oil at 100 ppm had the most significant impact on extending the vase life of carnations, increasing it by an average of 4.4 days compared to the control group. This suggests that essential oils are effective, natural, and biodegradable alternatives for preserving carnations. The use of essential oils is a sustainable approach to flower preservation, aligning with the interest in eco-friendly solutions.

What were the main essential oils tested, and what were the key findings?

The study tested essential oils from thyme, summer savory, and ajwain. These were applied to the carnations' vase water, and the researchers measured vase life, fresh weight, and overall marketability. The research showed that essential oils, especially from summer savory, extended the vase life. Combining essential oils with ethanol didn't significantly improve results compared to using essential oils alone. The research aimed to find natural ways to extend the life of cut carnations.

Vibrant carnations surrounded by essential oil droplets.

Keep Your Carnations Fresh: The Secret's in the Oils!

Beau Callahan in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how essential oils and a simple ingredient can significantly extend the vase life of your cut carnations."

Carnations are among the world's most beloved cut flowers, prized for their beauty and versatility. Whether gracing a centerpiece or adorning a bouquet, their presence adds a touch of elegance to any setting. However, like all cut flowers, carnations eventually fade, prompting the question: How can we extend their vase life and preserve their captivating charm?

Ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone, accelerates senescence (aging) in flowers, leading to wilting and reduced vase life. Additionally, vascular blockage, caused by bacteria accumulating in the stem, hinders water uptake, further shortening their display. Preserving substances added to vase water is a widely used method to increase the vase-life. One such preserving agent is ethanol (Et), which inhibits ethylene synthesis and reduces sensitivity of flowers to ethylene.

Now, research is exploring natural alternatives, focusing on the power of essential oils. This article delves into a study investigating the effects of ethanol and essential oils from thyme, summer savory, and ajwain on extending the vase life of carnations. Discover how these readily available substances can help you keep your carnations fresher for longer.

The Science Behind Longer-Lasting Carnations

Vibrant carnations surrounded by essential oil droplets.

A recent study explored how ethanol and essential oils (EOs) from common medicinal plants could extend the life of cut carnations. The research focused on three plants: thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.), and ajwain (Carum copticum L.). Scientists tested these substances on carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) to see if they could prolong their freshness.

The researchers conducted several trials, applying ethanol and various concentrations of essential oils to the carnations' vase water. They then observed the flowers, measuring their vase life, fresh weight, and overall marketability (visual appeal and consumer acceptance). Here’s what they discovered:

Ethanol: A 4% ethanol solution, applied either as a continuous treatment or a 24-hour pulse, increased vase life, though the effect wasn't statistically significant.
Essential Oils: All essential oils tested prolonged vase life to some extent. Summer savory essential oil at 100 ppm (parts per million) had the most significant impact, increasing vase life by an average of 4.4 days compared to the control group (no treatment).
Ethanol & Essential Oil Combinations: Combining ethanol with essential oils didn't produce significantly different results compared to using essential oils alone.
Fresh Weight: Carnations treated with summer savory essential oil at 100 ppm maintained the highest fresh weight after six days, nearly double that of the control group.

These findings suggest that essential oils, particularly summer savory, hold promise as natural alternatives for extending the vase life of carnations.

The Future of Flower Preservation: Natural and Sustainable Solutions

The study's results point towards essential oils as effective, natural, and biodegradable alternatives for prolonging the vase life of carnations. These findings align with a growing interest in eco-friendly solutions for everyday challenges.

While the research highlights the potential of essential oils, further investigation is needed to optimize their application. Future studies could explore different essential oil combinations, concentrations, and delivery methods to maximize their effectiveness. Exploring the synergistic effects of combining essential oils with other natural compounds could also yield promising results.

By embracing these natural alternatives, we can not only enjoy longer-lasting blooms but also reduce our reliance on synthetic preservatives, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to flower care.