How to Grow Chabaud's Giant Crimson Carnation

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Chabaud's Giant Crimson Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chabaud's Giant Crimson'

flower

A stunning carnation cultivar prized for its large, fully double crimson-red blooms and long vase life. Chabaud carnations are perpetual-flowering types that produce abundant cut flowers throughout the growing season. This variety is excellent for both garden displays and fresh flower arrangements.

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Example Chabaud's Giant Crimson Carnation timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Chabaud's Giant Crimson Carnation
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Chabaud's Giant Crimson Carnation blooms
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chabaud's Giant Crimson Carnation dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; prefers cooler afternoon shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at soil level to avoid wet foliage; reduce watering in winter dormancy

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days from transplant to first blooms

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Planting depth: Transplants: plant at soil level; seeds: barely cover (1/8 inch)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Lime if soil is too acidic

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 6-9; thrives in cool to moderate climates with good air circulation

6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny sprouted seedlings with two cotyledons and developing true leaves; very delicate

Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture; provide bright indirect light; keep at 65-70°F; thin to strongest seedlings; avoid damping off with good air circulation

Vegetative

6-8 weeks

Young plants developing multiple stems with gray-green, narrow, strap-like leaves; bushy growth habit forming

Pinch center stem when 3-4 inches tall to encourage branching and bushier form; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer; ensure excellent drainage; maintain 60-65°F nights

Pre-flowering

4-6 weeks

Dense branching habit established; flower buds beginning to form at stem tips; plant reaches mature size

Pinching should stop 8-10 weeks before desired bloom time; apply high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage flowering; remove any side buds for larger terminal flowers if cut flowers desired

Flowering

3-4 months (perpetual bloomer)

Large, fully double crimson-red blooms with ruffled petals appearing on tall, stiff stems; blooms persist for 2-3 weeks

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming; provide support stakes for tall stems if needed; maintain consistent moisture and feeding schedule; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

Dormancy/Decline

2-3 months

Plant slows growth in late fall/winter; blooming decreases; foliage may look tired or yellowed

Reduce watering frequency; stop fertilizing; cut back dead stems; keep cool (50-55°F if possible) to encourage spring rejuvenation; treat as tender perennial and overwinter indoors in cold zones

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sweet alyssum Dusty miller Violas Snapdragons Salvia Lavender Catmint Gypsophila (Baby's breath)

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) Fennel Onions and garlic Peonies (disease competition)

Common Pests

Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; use neem oil if needed
Remove affected flowers; use blue sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; maintain humidity below 60% to discourage
and
Handpick in early morning; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth around base; remove debris and mulch that provides hiding spots
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering; remove affected stems immediately; improve air circulation; use sterile soil

Uses

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Edible flowers

Culinary

Carnation petals are technically edible and have been used to garnish desserts and salads for centuries. However, pesticide-treated commercial flowers should be avoided; grow organically if intended for consumption. [source]

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Carnation wine and cordials

Culinary

Historically, carnation petals were infused into wine, cordials, and liqueurs to add flavor and color to drinks. This traditional use highlights the flower's slightly clove-like and spicy fragrance. [source]

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Cut flowers and floral arrangements

Craft

Chabaud's Giant Crimson is exceptionally long-lasting in the vase and is a premier cut flower for both professional florists and home arrangers. The large, uniform crimson blooms are ideal for wedding arrangements, sympathy bouquets, and formal displays. [source]

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Perfume and fragrance

Household

Carnations have a distinctive spicy-sweet scent and have been used in perfumery for centuries. The fragrance contains linalool, which contributes to the floral, slightly clove-like aroma valued in high-end perfumes. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Carnation flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators with their bright color and structure. While not as heavily visited as some flowers, they contribute to supporting beneficial insects in the garden. [source]

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when stems are fully hydrated; make cuts at a 45-degree angle below a node; remove lower leaves from stems; condition in cool water for 2-4 hours before arranging; change water every 2-3 days; remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rot; vase life is typically 2-3 weeks

Fun Facts

🌱 Chabaud carnations are named after the Chabaud family of French gardeners who created the perpetual-flowering carnation strain in the 1870s, revolutionizing the cut flower industry.
🌱 Carnations are the second most popular cut flower worldwide after roses, and red carnations specifically symbolize admiration, affection, and gratitude across many cultures.
🌱 Unlike many other double flowers, carnations retain the ability to produce seed through both pollen and ovule development, making them valuable for breeding programs seeking new varieties.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Perennial pH True Leaves

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