To change white carnation-type petals to green, stand the long-stemmed
fs in water containing a green aniline dye. Other suitable aniline
dyes may be used to achieve colored stripes on white fs.
Place fs over a basin of water which contains a very small
amount of ammonia in a bell glass. The petals will usually change.
For example, many violet-colored petals will change to green; red
colors will become green, white will turn yellow and dark carmine
will turn black.
Violet-colored asters can be moistened with a very mild solution
of nitric acid. The ray florets will turn red and will also acquire
a pleasant scent.
TIPS!
Keep 'em fresh longer:
A good method of prolonging the
life of cut fs is to put a small amount of ammonium chloride,
postassium nitrate, sodium carbonate or camphor in the water into
which the f stems are inserted. One or more of these drugs
will keep the fs fresh by working to oppose germ growth and
stimulate the cells. This method is, however, not permanent like
the borax and gel solution, described in the Drying
and Preserving Flowers section.
