How to Grow Chaubaud's Red Carnation
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Chaubaud's Red Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chaubaud's Red'
flowerChaubaud's Red is a vibrant red carnation variety known for its full, double flowers and long stems, making it excellent for cut flowers and garden displays. This cultivar was developed through the Chaubaud carnation breeding program in France and represents a significant advancement in carnation horticulture. The plants produce densely packed petals in a classic carnation form with a sweet, spicy fragrance.
When should you plant Chaubaud's Red Carnation in your zone?
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Example Chaubaud's Red Carnation timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chaubaud's Red Carnation
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 Red Carnation blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-9; can be grown as annual in cooler zones 6-8
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall rosette of narrow, blue-green leaves emerging from soil. Plants are delicate and low-growing.
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright light. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped foliage. Stems elongate and thicken. Plant reaches 18-24 inches tall.
Pinch growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching and bushier form. Water moderately. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips, appearing as tight, elongated green structures with characteristic carnation sepals visible.
Increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote flowering. Maintain consistent watering. Remove any diseased or weak buds.
Flowering
3-4 weeks per flower flushLarge, fully double red flowers with ruffled petals open from buds. Flowers are densely packed with 50+ petals. Sweet fragrance intensifies in warmer periods.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Support tall stems with stakes or cages if needed. Avoid wetting petals when watering. Cut flowers in early morning for best vase life.
Decline and Renewal
1-2 weeksFirst flowering wave declines; plants may rest briefly before producing secondary flower stems.
Cut back flowering stems above a leaf node to encourage new flowering branches. Continue fertilizing and watering. In hot climates, light afternoon shade helps extend blooming.
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 insecticidal soap, improve humidity and air circulation
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Monitor for rolled leaves, remove affected foliage, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, maintain good air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, attract natural predators like ladybugs
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and
Hand-pick, use copper tape barriers, set beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Edible Garnish and Flavoring
CulinaryCarnation petals can be candied for desserts or used as elegant garnishes for cakes, cocktails, and salads. The petals have a slightly sweet, peppery flavor. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangement
HouseholdChaubaud's Red is a premium cut flower with exceptionally long vase life. Its vibrant red color, large double blooms, and tall sturdy stems make it ideal for bouquets, corsages, and formal arrangements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalCarnations have been used in traditional medicine for their purported calming properties. Carnation tea has been traditionally used to reduce fever and anxiety. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe sturdy structure of Chaubaud's Red carnations makes them excellent for drying. Dried flowers retain their color and form, ideal for long-lasting arrangements and craft projects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to the garden, supporting pollinators throughout the growing season. [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 flowers in early morning or late evening when stems are fully hydrated. Use sharp, clean scissors to cut at 45-degree angles. Remove lower leaves that would sit below waterline in vase. Carnations have excellent vase life (10-14 days). For garden display, deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chaubaud's Red carnations were developed through the famous Chaubaud carnation breeding program, which created many of the perpetual-flowering carnation varieties that revolutionized the cut flower industry in the early 20th century.
- 🌱 The carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and is one of the oldest cultivated flowers, with evidence of its use in ancient Greece and Rome.
- 🌱 Red carnations symbolize admiration, gratitude, and deep love in the language of flowers, making Chaubaud's Red a popular choice for Mother's Day and Valentine's Day bouquets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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