Carnation ‘Chabaud Benigna’
Dianthus caryophyllus
 
French heirloom carnation
 Deliciously coloured, the white to creamy white petals of Chabaud 'Benigna' are outlined with the fruitiest of plums and raspberry reds.
From late spring through midsummer, the ruffled, sweetly fragrant blooms are displayed profusely on slender, sturdy stems. Once established, they will provide a continuous harvest of blooms for cutting from the end of April until the end of September.
Over the years there have been many developments in carnations, many reputed to be clove scented and yes, if you try hard enough, you may get the faintest of faint hint of cloves. Chabaud carnations are something else being almost more clove scented than cloves themselves.
 
Details:
Plantlife cycle: annual
Site: Full sun
Height: 24-30"
Days to germinate:7-14 days
Days to maturity: 130-140 days
Sow: Surface, press into the soil, lightly cover
Plant spacing: 6-9"
Pinch: when 8” tall
Approx seeds per packet: 100
 
How to Grow:
Days to germination:7-14 days at 65-72°F (18-22°C)
Sowing:Transplant (recommended) - Sow 6-8 weeks before last frost. Lightly press seed into growing medium. Transplant into cell packs or 3-4" containers 20-25 days after sowing. Harden off and transplant out 6-8 weeks after sowing. Cool temperatures of 50-55°F (10-13°C) are required to keep the plants low growing and basal branching. Avoid warm temperatures in excess of 65°F (18°C), especially at night, which will produce soft growth. Direct seed - Early spring when a light frost is still possible.
 
How to Harvest:
Harvest when 10-20% of flowers in cluster or spray are open.
 
Vase life:
A vase life  up to 7-10 days