Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are a globally popular cut flower, but the term “bunch” often confuses buyers. It is not a precise botanical measurement but a commercial unit that varies widely across the floral supply chain. A bunch purchased at a supermarket may contain a significantly different number of stems than one bought wholesale. Understanding industry standards and carnation types is necessary to know exactly what you are purchasing.
Defining the Standard Retail Bunch
The quantity of carnations in a bunch is determined by commercial standards within the wholesale and retail flower industries. For standard carnations, the grower’s unit is frequently 25 stems per bunch. This 25-stem count is a common measure for bulk and wholesale purchases. The stem count is the definitive metric, regardless of the size or openness of the individual flowers.
This size is often repackaged for the consumer market, especially in grocery stores and mass-market retail outlets. In these locations, the standard bunch size is typically 10 stems, designed for convenient display and a lower price point. The count refers only to the number of individual stalks tied together, regardless of the number of buds or blooms on a single stem. This consistency allows for simplified pricing and inventory management across large retail chains.
How Carnation Type Changes the Count
The type of carnation influences the visual volume of a bunch, even if the stem count is identical. The standard carnation is cultivated to produce one large, single bloom per stem. Growers often remove side buds (disbudding) to concentrate the plant’s energy into this single flower, resulting in a classic look.
In contrast, the spray carnation (or mini-carnation) is grown to have multiple smaller blooms and buds branching off a single stem. The main terminal bud is removed to encourage the growth of these side shoots, creating a fuller, more textured appearance. A 10-stem bunch of spray carnations can contain 30 or more individual flowers. This is why consumers often perceive them as a larger quantity than a 10-stem bunch of standard carnations.
Retailer Practices and Display Size
Different vendors market carnations according to varied commercial models, which affect the final bunch size presented to the consumer. Wholesalers and bulk suppliers adhere to the 25-stem standard for standard carnations. This facilitates efficient handling and shipping from the farm, and the price per stem is typically lower in these larger increments.
Local florists usually incorporate carnations into mixed arrangements, where stems are priced individually or as part of the overall design. Supermarkets and mass retailers rely heavily on the easily marketable 10-stem bunch for their displays. This smaller unit allows for simpler inventory control and a lower absolute price, encouraging impulse purchases from shoppers.
Practical Tips for Arranging Carnations
Once carnations are purchased, proper handling is necessary to ensure the longevity of the display. Begin by trimming the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife or shears to maximize water absorption. Remove any foliage that would sit below the water line, as submerged leaves accelerate bacterial growth and shorten the vase life.
Place the prepared carnations in a clean vase filled with fresh, room-temperature water and a flower food packet. Carnations are sensitive to ethylene gas, so keep the arrangement away from ripening fruit, which causes premature wilting. To maintain freshness, change the water and re-cut the stems every two to three days. Place the vase in a cool location away from direct sunlight or drafts.