How to Grow Chaubaud's Scarlet
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Chaubaud's Scarlet
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chaubaud's Scarlet'
flowerChaubaud's Scarlet is a vibrant red carnation cultivar prized for its brilliant scarlet blooms and long vase life. Developed through the Chaubaud breeding line, it produces sturdy stems with fragrant, ruffled double flowers ideal for cut arrangements. This variety represents the pinnacle of carnation breeding for color intensity and florist-quality stems.
When should you plant Chaubaud's Scarlet in your zone?
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Example Chaubaud's Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chaubaud's Scarlet
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 Scarlet blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9; thrives in cool to moderate climates
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves; delicate and slow-growing initially
Provide bright indirect light, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, maintain 65-70°F temperature, thin seedlings to prevent damping off
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksCompact plant develops narrow, blue-green foliage with multiple shoots; stems thicken and branches form
Ensure full sun exposure, pinch growing tips at 4-6 inches to encourage bushiness, maintain consistent watering, fertilize biweekly with balanced fertilizer
Bud Formation
3-4 weeksTerminal flower buds appear at shoot tips, initially tight and enclosed in sepals; buds gradually enlarge
Continue full sun exposure, switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support blooming, maintain moderate moisture, remove any diseased foliage
Flowering
3-4 weeks per flush; reblooms if deadheadedBrilliant scarlet double flowers open with ruffled petals; fragrant blooms reach 1.5-2 inches diameter; multiple flowers per plant if deadheaded
Cut flowers when outer petals begin to unfurl for longest vase life, deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering, reduce nitrogen fertilizer, provide excellent air circulation
Decline/Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsFlowering slows in late summer/fall; growth nearly halts in winter; foliage remains evergreen but dormant
Reduce watering significantly, cease or reduce fertilizing, protect from frost with mulch or cold frame in zone 5, thin overcrowded growth to improve spring vigor
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested buds, improve air circulation, use insecticidal soap if severe
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Increase humidity, spray leaves with water mist, use miticide if infestation develops
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Spray with strong water jet, use insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs
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Plant resistant varieties, ensure excellent drainage, remove and destroy infected plants, do not replant carnations in same soil
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves promptly, apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Edible Garnish
CulinaryPetals add vibrant scarlet color and spicy-sweet flavor to salads, cocktails, and desserts. Ensure flowers are grown without pesticides if intended for consumption. [source]
Cut Flower Arranging
HouseholdPremium florist-quality stem and exceptional vase life (14-21 days) make Chaubaud's Scarlet ideal for bouquets, centerpieces, and wedding arrangements. The full double petals and fragrance add elegance to any arrangement. [source]
Fragrance
HouseholdCarnations, including Chaubaud's varieties, release a sweet, spicy clove-like fragrance that perfumes a room. Fresh cut flowers provide natural fragrance without artificial additives. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe sturdy double petals retain color and form exceptionally well when dried. Hang bundles upside down in a cool, dark place for several weeks to create lasting decorative elements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. While carnations are not a primary nectar source, they contribute to garden biodiversity. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open but petals not drooping. Use clean, sharp scissors and make angled cuts. Remove lower foliage from stems. Place immediately in clean water with floral preservative. Stems last 14-21 days in a vase, longer than most cut flowers. For garden display, deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering through the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Chaubaud strain was developed in France in the early 1900s through hybridization and careful selection, creating the first perpetual-blooming carnation varieties suitable for both garden and commercial florist use.
- 🌱 Carnations are the third most popular cut flower globally after roses and chrysanthemums, with Chaubaud varieties commanding premium prices in the floral industry due to their superior color saturation and stem quality.
- 🌱 The scarlet carnation became a symbol of admiration and gratitude in the Victorian language of flowers, making Chaubaud's Scarlet a meaningful gift choice with historical significance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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