Carnation Ball Centerpieces: Stem Count and Longevity

A reader asked how many carnations for an 8-inch foam sphere, whether to cover the entire ball, and if they last 1–2 days pre-wedding.

Stem Estimate

**20–36 carnations** per 8-inch sphere, depending on bloom size.

Coverage

• Cover the **entire visible surface**.
• If the vase opening hides the bottom section, you can leave that area bare.

Longevity

**Yes, 1–2 days** if kept cool, hydrated, and misted. Store in a cooler (38–40°F) for best results.