Carnation 'Chabaud Beninga'

Chabaud Beninga Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chabaud Beninga')

A timeless French garden heirloom, Chabaud Beninga enchants with frilly 1½–2" double blooms in creamy white with delicate rose edges, accented by the occasional single flower. The classic sweet-spicy clove fragrance fills the garden, making it a favourite for cutting gardens, vintage bouquets, and cottage-style arrangements. Highly productive and easy to grow, this Chabaud variety has been cherished since 1904.

Pairs beautifully with soft pastels like Jeanne d’Ionis or La France carnations, and offers an elegant contrast to deeper-hued flowers such as Cramer's Burgundy Celosia or Black Nigra Hollyhock. Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Best grown as an annual for cut-flower production; tender perennial in Zones 6–8. Also known as Annual Carnation, Clove Pink, or Border Carnation.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

SEED DEPTH: 1/8"

GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 18-22°C

HEIGHT: 24-30"

MATURITY: 130 - 140 Days

SPACING: 6"

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your average last frost date. Transplant into cell packs 20–25 days after sowing. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors after the last frost. Cool temperatures of 10–13°C promote low, bushy growth. Avoid warm nighttime temperatures above 18°C, which encourage soft, leggy growth.

Direct Seeding (not recommended): Direct seeding is not recommended for carnations, as starting indoors provides a much better success rate and an earlier bloom.

Pinching: Pinching the tops of young plants can encourage a bushier habit and more blooms.

Soil Preference and Watering: Carnations thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, as they are susceptible to root rot.

Fertilizing: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season to support continuous blooming.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are fully open. Cut in the early morning or late evening and immediately place in a vase of water.