Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Chabaud Orange Sherbet

Flower

Dianthus caryophyllus

Overview
Vintage carnations present the sweet and spicy fragrance of clove. Frilly, 1 1/2-2" double blooms with a small percentage of singles. Orange creamsicle-colored petals striped and flaked with tangerine. Grass-like, gray or blue-green foliage. Blooms late July through August in our trials and is best grown as an annual for cut-flower production. Chabaud is an old-fashioned type dating back to as early as 1904. D. caryophyllus is native to the Mediterranean, where emotional attachment to this flower first took root. Also known as annual carnation. Pronounced shab-o, with a long "o." Tender perennial in Zones 6-8. Edible Flowers: Use the flower petals to garnish salads, desserts, soups, icing, and cold drinks. Flavor is of mild clove. Remove the petals from the flower base before consuming as the base can be quite bitter.
Planting
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost, pressing seeds lightly into seed-starting mix without covering. Direct sow outdoors after last frost, though indoor starting produces earlier blooms.
Growing
Sun: partial. Water: high. Soil: Well-draining loam or potting soil; tolerates a wide range of pH. Space plants 12" apart. Germination: 7-10 days.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Spider mites (in hot, dry conditions); occasional thrips. Common diseases: Fusarium wilt (rare in well-draining soil); rust (minor in high humidity).