Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus Chabaud Avranchin) - Every cutting garden needs to have some Carnation seeds started in it! The Dianthus Caryophyllus Chabaud series are tall and perfect for floral arrangement. The Carnation flowers also dry and preserve well. This Dianthus Avranchin variety is a bi-colored bringing both red and a creamy yellow together into one beautiful bloom. This Carnation seed produces double, beautifully scented, fringed flowers that grow as a perennial in frost free zones. Carnation flowers can grow as annuals where winters are cold. Grow carnation flower seeds in borders, planters, cottage gardens and rock gardens.

For Carnation flowers the first year, start Dianthus seeds indoors 10 - 12 weeks before the last frost, planting 2 - 3 flower seeds per pot or cell. Cover the Carnation seeds with no more than 1/16 inch of soil and keep the seeds moist until germination. Move seedlings to a cool, bright place to continue growing, then harden the Carnation plants off in the garden a week or two before the last frost. Where winters are mild, Carnation seeds may be planted outdoors spring through early fall. Removing spent flowers encourages continued blooming.

Unique Carnation

How to Grow

To achieve flowers in the first year, start Dianthus seeds indoors 10 - 12 weeks before the last frost, planting 2 - 3 flower seeds per pot or cell. Cover the Carnation seeds with no more than 1/16 inch of soil and keep the seeds moist until germination. Move seedlings to a cool, bright place to continue growing, then harden the Carnation plants off in the garden a week or two before the last frost. Where winters are mild, Carnation seeds may be planted outdoors spring through early fall. Removing spent flowers encourages continued blooming.

• Environment: full sun to partial shade
• Soil: well-drained w' pH 6.6-7.8
• Sowing rate: 2-3 seeds per plant

Plant Specifications

Chabaud Avranchin carnation is a perennial flowering plant that grows in USDA zones 6 through 9. It is commonly used a cut flower in both fresh and dried arrangements. This variety is bi-colored, and is more difficult to find in stores.

• Bloom color: red & cream
• Bloom season: late spring through mid summer
• Plant height: 24 inches