This colored carnations science experiment doubles as a beautiful centerpiece! Watch as the color rises through the stem and throughout the petals like magic!

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I remember making colored carnations for a science experiment when I was in the 3rd grade. It was so fun to watch them turn from white to blue and green. It seems like every science fair that I’ve ever been to has a colored carnations display! It’s such a simple experiment, and a great visual for kids in learning how plants work! I thought it would be fun to make them with my girls, who LOVE having flowers in the house.

Colored Carnations Science Experiment

You only need 4 things to complete this project: carnations, water, food coloring and cups! I LOVE these little science flasks that we have. I’ve used them for so many things and they are actually part of my Halloween decor.

What Causes the Carnations to Change Color?

Have you ever wondered where the water goes when a plant is watered? Coloring the water with food coloring is an easy way to see how water works with flowers, also known as capillary action. As the water moves through the tiny tubes, it nourishes the flower and the dye allows you to watch the entire process.

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Colored Carnations Science Experiment

This colored carnations science experiment doubles as a beautiful centerpiece! Watch as the color rises through the stem and throughout the petals like magic!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Wait time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Cost: $5

Equipment

vases or cups
sharp knife or scissors

Materials

white carnations
food coloring

Instructions

Add 10 drops of food coloring into a small vase.
Fill with water. Add more drops if necessary to achieve a nice dark color.
Cut each stem on an angle and place inside vase.
Wait and watch! Within a few hours you'll begin to see the flowers begin to change color! As the flower drinks the water, it runs through the stem as well as all of the petals!
Have the kids predict which flower they think will result in the darkest shade. It may not be the one they think! We thought purple would certainly be as dark as the blue, but that wasn't the case. The green and blue flowers came out the most vivid, with the others being more of a pastel shade (still beautiful!).