How to Grow Chaubaud's Pink
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Chaubaud's Pink
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chaubaud'
flowerChaubaud's Pink is a carnation variety renowned for its striking double flowers with fringed, ruffled petals in shades of pink, red, and bi-colors. This classic ornamental carnation was developed in France and is prized by florists and gardeners for its long stems, exceptional vase life, and clove-like fragrance. It blooms prolifically throughout the growing season and makes an excellent cut flower.
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Example Chaubaud's Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chaubaud's Pink
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Chaubaud's Pink blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chaubaud's Pink dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9, though can be grown as an annual in cooler climates
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Get my Chaubaud's Pink timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green cotyledons emerge and develop true leaves within 1-2 weeks. Plants are delicate and require consistent moisture.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksCompact rosette of narrow, blue-green foliage develops. Plant builds stems and leaf mass while establishing a strong root system.
Ensure full sun exposure. Water moderately and allow good air circulation. Pinch growing tips when plants reach 6 inches to encourage bushy growth.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips. Distinctive calyx (sepals) enclose tight, compact buds that gradually enlarge.
Support with staking if needed for tall varieties. Continue regular watering and provide balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove diseased foliage.
Flowering
4-6 weeks per flush; repeat blooming possibleDouble flowers with ruffled, fringed petals open in shades of pink, red, or bi-colors. Strong clove fragrance is present. Flowers persist for weeks on the plant.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Maintain consistent watering. Support stems with stakes or flower rings. Provide afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.
Harvest & Senescence
Ongoing throughout seasonCut flowers for arrangements. If left unharvested, flowers gradually fade and plants may slow blooming in intense heat.
Cut stems in early morning when hydrated. Cut at 45-degree angle and condition in cool water. Remove lower leaves to prevent rot in water.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if infestation is severe. Increase humidity to discourage mites.
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Ensure excellent air circulation. Remove infected foliage promptly. Apply fungicide containing sulfur or copper if necessary.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Use reflective mulch to deter. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants. No chemical cure; prevention through sanitation is key.
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Remove heavily infested flowers. Spray with insecticidal soap. Use blue sticky traps to monitor.
Uses
Edible Petals & Garnishes
CulinaryChaubaud's Pink petals are edible with a clove-like, slightly peppery flavor and can garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails. The flowers add both visual appeal and a subtle, aromatic spice to dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftRenowned for exceptional vase life (2-3+ weeks), long sturdy stems, and luxurious double ruffled blooms, Chaubaud's Pinks are a florist staple. They are ideal for bouquets, wedding arrangements, and formal centerpieces. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalCarnations have been used in traditional herbal medicine to soothe inflammation and promote circulation. The petals can be dried and steeped into a mild tea. [source]
Fragrance & Clove Scent
HouseholdThe distinctive clove fragrance of Chaubaud's Pinks makes them valued for scenting rooms naturally and for dried flower arrangements. Dried petals retain their aroma for months. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile less attractive to pollinators than single-flowered varieties, Chaubaud's Pinks still provide nectar and attract butterflies and hoverflies, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut stems in early morning when turgid with water. Select stems with 2-3 open flowers and tight buds at the tip. Cut at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower leaves to prevent bacterial rot in water. Carnations last 2-3 weeks in a vase with fresh water and floral preservative.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chaubaud's Pink was developed in France in the early 20th century and represents a major breakthrough in carnation breeding, introducing perpetual-flowering and fully double characteristics to commercial carnation cultivation.
- 🌱 Carnations are the third most popular cut flower worldwide (after roses and chrysanthemums) and Chaubaud's Pink cultivars remain prized by professional florists for their reliability, longevity, and availability.
- 🌱 The distinctive clove fragrance in carnations comes from the chemical compound eugenol, the same compound that gives cloves their characteristic spicy aroma and has been used in perfumery and traditional medicine for centuries.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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