How to Grow Chabaud's Giant Mixed Carnation

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Chabaud's Giant Mixed Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chabaud's Giant Mixed'

flower

Chabaud's Giant Mixed is a strain of perpetual-flowering carnation known for producing large, ruffled blooms in a diverse array of colors including pink, red, white, yellow, and bicolors. These long-stemmed flowers are prized for cutting and floral arrangements, blooming prolifically throughout the growing season. The plants are relatively compact and bushy, making them suitable for both garden beds and container cultivation.

Looking for a specific variety?

Chabaud's Giant Pink Chabaud's Giant Red Chabaud's Giant White Chabaud's Giant Yellow Chabaud's Giant Scarlet Chabaud's Giant Salmon

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

Plant Chabaud's Giant Mixed 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 Mixed Carnation blooms
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. Drought-tolerant once established, but flowering is enhanced with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from seed to first bloom; often grown from transplants for faster flowering

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Planting depth: Seeds sown on surface or lightly pressed into soil; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced granular fertilizer at planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 5-8 are ideal; can be grown as annuals in colder zones or perennials in warmer zones

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny green seedlings with two cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. Seedlings develop narrow, needle-like true leaves characteristic of Dianthus.

Provide bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off. Maintain cool conditions (60-65°F) to prevent legginess.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plants develop multiple shoots and a bushy, compact form with blue-green linear foliage. Stems become sturdy and woody at the base.

Pinch growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at stem tips, appearing as tight green structures. Buds gradually swell and show color beneath protective sepals.

Continue regular watering and fertilization with higher phosphorus formula to support blooming. Remove any yellowed lower leaves. Stake taller varieties if needed.

Flowering

6-12 weeks (continuous with deadheading)

Large, ruffled double blooms open in mixed colors—reds, pinks, whites, yellows, and bicolors. Flowers are fragrant and long-lasting on the plant.

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Water consistently. Apply balanced or bloom-promoting fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cut flowers early morning for arrangements.

Decline/Overwintering

Variable; 2-4 months dormancy in cold climates

Flowering slows in late season; foliage may yellow. In colder zones, plants may die back; in zones 7-9, plants may persist over winter as dormant clumps.

Reduce watering in fall/winter. In mild zones, cut back stems to 4-6 inches after heavy frost. Apply light mulch. Remove dead foliage to prevent disease. Prune lightly in early spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) Alyssum Lavender Catmint Delphinium Roses Stock (Matthiola)

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders like tomatoes or corn Plants requiring consistently wet soil (excess moisture promotes carnation rot)

Common Pests

Increase humidity by misting foliage. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves. Ensure good air circulation.
Avoid overhead watering; water at soil level. Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Remove infected leaves promptly. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe.
Plant in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy infected plants. Use disease-resistant seed if available. Disinfect tools between plants.
Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.
and
Remove by hand, especially at night. Use copper tape barriers around pots. Reduce moisture and remove hiding spots. Apply organic slug bait if needed.

Uses

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Edible Petals for Garnish

Culinary

Carnation petals are edible and used as decorative garnishes for desserts, cocktails, and salads, adding color and a slightly spicy, clove-like flavor. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Chabaud's Giant Mixed is bred specifically for cutting, with long, sturdy stems and long vase life making it ideal for fresh arrangements, bouquets, and professional floristry. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Carnation flowers have been used in traditional medicine to make teas believed to support circulation and digestion, and to reduce inflammation. [source]

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Dried Flower Crafts

Craft

Dried carnation blooms retain their color and structure well, making them suitable for wreaths, potpourri, and dried floral arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Carnation flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, providing nectar and supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when stems are fully hydrated, using sharp shears to make clean cuts. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the waterline. Blooms last 2-3 weeks in a vase with fresh flower food and daily water changes. Deadhead spent blooms on garden plants to promote continuous flowering.

Fun Facts

🌱 Chabaud carnations were developed in France by Monsieur Chabaud in the late 19th century and are known as 'perpetual-flowering' carnations because they bloom continuously under good growing conditions, unlike traditional border carnations.
🌱 Carnations are the third most popular cut flower in the world after roses and chrysanthemums, and Chabaud's Giant Mixed strain is a commercial favorite for florists due to its large, full blooms and long vase life.
🌱 The scientific name 'caryophyllus' comes from Greek words meaning 'clove leaf,' referring to the spicy, clove-like fragrance the flowers produce, which is caused by volatile compounds similar to those found in clove spice.

Gardening Terms

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

Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Mulch pH True Leaves

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