Ideal stage for harvesting carnations is

The ideal stage for harvesting carnations is the Paint brush stage.
Standard carnations should be harvested when the outer petal unfolds nearly perpendicular to the stem. Spray types are harvested when two flowers are open and the bud shows colour, Semi-open stage is Ideal for short-distance marketing.
Harvesting can be delayed by covering the buds with bud nets. When the buds start showing colour, bud nets can be put covering the entire flower bud, this also enhances the bud size besides regulating the flower development.