Skip to the content
SELECT SEEDS
Carnation 'Chabaud Giants La France'
Seed Packet

Carnation 'Chabaud Giants La France'

Dianthus caryophyllus
Unlike many scentless modern carnations, Gilliflower, its antique name, possesses a sweet clove scent, offering its spice from frilly double to single shell-pink flowers. The Chaubaud carnations debuted in 1870 and are ever-popular bouquet flowers. Start indoors in late winter.
SKU #S1659
$3.25
Growing Companions
Sweet Alyssum 'Paletta Mix'
Sweet Alyssum 'Paletta Mix'
Stock 'Quartet Sonata Mix'
Stock 'Quartet Sonata Mix'
Stock 'Anytime Mix'
Stock 'Anytime Mix'
Baby's Breath 'Covent Garden'
Baby's Breath 'Covent Garden'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
100
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
7,
8,
9
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
2' h x 1' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline pH
Season
Summer
Color
Shell pink
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/16"
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
16-20 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Recommended. Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting out at the last frost date. Keep at 65-70°F until germination occurs, then at 50-55°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow where hardy at last frost date for some fall flowers and overwintering as perennial. In warm winter areas (zones 8-9) sow in late summer for flowers the following year.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
At last frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Chabaud carnations, with their charming old-fashioned allure, have captivated generations of gardeners with their spicy clove fragrance and gathered petals. These beloved cut flowers are at home in cottage and cutting gardens, where placing short, twiggy brush establishes a sturdy framework for their slender, sometimes weaving stems. To encourage further branching and abundant blooms, pinch back the seedlings when they reach a height of approximately 6-8 inches. Larger flowers will result if only one central bud is left per stem. Prefers moderate summer temperatures. Edible petals are useful as garnishes.
Final Spacing:
6-8"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Water regularly, about 1" per week for best growth and flowering. In zones where it is winter hardy, it will tolerate some drought once fully established. Avoid overwatering and saturated soils.
Soil pH:
Neutral to alkaline pH is preferred. If soil is acidic, apply a handful of lime when planting.
Fertilizer:
Apply a slow release, low-nitrogen, higher phosphorus granular, organic fertilizer or 2" of compost in springtime.
Diseases & Pests:
Leaf spots can mar the leaves of Dianthus. Space well apart for good air circulation. Avoid saturated soils which may lead to root rots.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when two flowers are open on the spray.