How to Grow Chabaud's Giant Rose
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Chabaud's Giant Rose
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chabaud's Giant Rose'
flowerChabaud's Giant Rose is a spectacular carnation variety known for its large, fully double blooms in rich rose-pink tones and long, sturdy stems ideal for cutting. This heirloom cultivar was developed in France and remains a favorite among florists and gardeners for its exceptional flower size and longevity in arrangements. The plant produces fragrant, ruffled petals and blooms prolifically throughout the growing season.
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Example Chabaud's Giant Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chabaud's Giant Rose
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Chabaud's Giant Rose blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; can be grown as a tender annual in colder zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with two narrow cotyledons, developing first true leaves within 7-10 days.
Maintain consistent moisture, provide bright light (grow lights if indoors), and thin seedlings to prevent damping-off fungus. Keep at 70-75°F.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops sturdy, narrow blue-green foliage in a compact, bushy form. Stems strengthen and branch out.
Pinch growing tips at 4-6 weeks to encourage bushiness and more flower stems. Gradually harden off transplants over 7-10 days before planting outside.
Budding
2-3 weeksTight flower buds form at stem terminals, appearing as small green nodules that gradually swell and show color.
Maintain consistent watering and apply balanced or bloom-promoting fertilizer (lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus). Remove any weak or diseased buds.
Flowering
4-8 weeks per flush; blooms can repeat if maintainedLarge, fully double rose-pink blooms open with ruffled petals, reaching 2-3 inches across. Fragrance is strong and sweet.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Support tall stems with stakes if needed. Keep foliage dry; water at soil level.
Decline/Rest
Variable; rest period 2-4 monthsFlowering slows in hot summer heat or with declining day length in fall. Plants may enter dormancy in winter.
In mild climates, reduce watering and fertilizer. Cut back if overwintering. In cold zones, treat as annual and remove at frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, mist foliage (but allow to dry quickly), spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil. Introduce ladybugs for biological control.
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Improve air circulation, water at soil level only, apply sulfur dust or fungicide spray at first sign. Remove infected leaves.
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Remove infected leaves immediately, improve drainage and air flow, apply fungicide if needed. Avoid overhead watering.
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and
Hand-pick, use row covers for young plants, apply diatomaceous earth around base. Beer traps for slugs.
Uses
Edible flowers for decoration
CulinaryThe petals are edible and add a slightly clove-like, peppery flavor and elegant appearance to salads, desserts, and garnishes. Ensure they are grown without pesticides if using for consumption. [source]
Cut flowers and flower arranging
CraftChabaud's Giant Rose is prized by florists and home arrangers for its large, long-lasting blooms and sturdy stems that hold their form in arrangements and vases for extended periods. [source]
Fresh and dried arrangements
HouseholdThe long-stemmed roses are ideal for wedding bouquets, mixed floral displays, and can be air-dried by hanging upside-down in a dry location, maintaining color and fragrance for several months. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHistorically, carnation flowers have been used in traditional medicine and herbal teas for their mild calming and anti-inflammatory properties, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them valuable for supporting beneficial insect populations in gardens. [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 stems in early morning when fully hydrated, choosing blooms that are just opening. Cut at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife, removing at least one-third of the stem. Remove lower foliage before arranging. Cut flowers last 7-14 days in a vase with flower preservative and fresh water changed every 2-3 days. For continuous cutting garden production, harvest regularly to encourage more blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chabaud's Giant strain was developed by French carnation breeder Monsieur Chabaud in the early 1900s and represents one of the most significant improvements to carnation breeding, introducing the ability to bloom continuously rather than seasonally.
- 🌱 Carnations are the third most popular cut flower in the world after roses and tulips, and Chabaud varieties are especially prized by professional florists for their exceptional longevity, sometimes lasting 2-3 weeks in a vase.
- 🌱 The clove-like fragrance of carnations comes from the presence of eugenol and other volatile compounds, which is why they were historically called 'gillyflowers' or 'clove pinks' and were used to flavor wines, cordials, and spiced beverages.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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