Carnation 'Chabaud La France'

La France Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus 'La France')

A true vintage garden treasure, La France Carnation boasts abundant, long-stemmed blush-pink blooms with a whisper of silvery edge. Fully double and beautifully ruffled, each flower releases the soft, classic clove fragrance that makes Chabaud carnations so beloved. Highly productive, this heirloom variety provides continuous blooms all season, making it a standout in cutting gardens, cottage-style borders, and romantic floral arrangements—fresh or dried.

Pairs beautifully with soft pastel flowers like Marjorette Champagne Hollyhocks, Baby Blue Eyes, or Lavender Delphiniums, and with airy foliage such as Candicans or New Look Dusty Miller to highlight its delicate tones. Easy to grow 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

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.