How to Grow Chabaud's Giant Scarlet Carnation
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Chabaud's Giant Scarlet Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chabaud's Giant Scarlet'
flowerChabaud's Giant Scarlet is a vibrant red carnation cultivar known for its large, ruffled double flowers and long, strong stems ideal for cutting. This variety produces prolific blooms from summer through fall and is a popular choice for florists and garden displays. The flowers are highly fragrant and can reach 3-4 inches in diameter.
When should you plant Chabaud's Giant Scarlet Carnation in your zone?
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Example Chabaud's Giant Scarlet Carnation timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chabaud's Giant Scarlet Carnation
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 Scarlet Carnation blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves appear 10-14 days after sowing. Leaves are narrow and gray-green.
Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off. Avoid overhead watering.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop bushy growth with narrow, lance-shaped foliage. Plants reach 6-12 inches tall with multiple stems forming.
Pinch growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more flower stems. Water moderately and ensure good air circulation.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at stem tips; visible as tight, pointed green structures surrounded by leafy bracts (sepals).
Maintain consistent watering and apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks. Remove any side buds on main stems if large exhibition flowers are desired.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (peak bloom) or longer with deadheadingLarge ruffled double flowers open, revealing dense, layered scarlet-red petals. Flowers are highly fragrant and can persist 3-4 weeks per bloom.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Stake tall stems if needed. Maintain even moisture and continue fertilizing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested leaves, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity and air circulation, spray with water, use miticide if severe, apply neem oil
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, introduce ladybugs
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, improve air circulation
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Use disease-free seeds and soil, improve drainage, remove infected plants, rotate crops
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Remove infected foliage, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, apply fungicide if needed
Uses
Garnish & Edible Flowers
CulinaryCarnation petals (after removing the bitter white base) are edible and can be used as decorative garnishes on cakes, salads, and cocktails, adding a delicate floral flavor and visual appeal. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftChabaud's Giant Scarlet is a premium cut flower prized by florists for its large, ruffled blooms, long vase life, and strong stems. It is ideal for bouquets, wedding arrangements, and long-lasting floral displays. [source]
Fragrance & Perfumery
HouseholdThe highly fragrant flowers produce a sweet, clove-like scent that can perfume a room and has been used historically in perfume and fragrance production. [source]
Herbal Tea & Wellness
MedicinalCarnation petals can be dried and brewed into a gentle herbal tea traditionally used to soothe nerves and support overall wellness, with a mild floral flavor. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeCarnation flowers attract bees and butterflies, providing a valuable nectar and pollen source for pollinators during summer and fall when other flowers may be scarce. [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 flowers are fully open but still fresh. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Carnations are long-lasting cut flowers and can remain fresh in a vase for 2-3 weeks. For best longevity, use floral preservative in vase water and change water every 2-3 days.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chabaud carnations are named after the Chabaud family, French flower breeders who developed this strain in the 1800s for their superior size, color, and fragrance.
- 🌱 Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers, with evidence of their cultivation dating back over 2,000 years; the scarlet color symbolizes admiration and deep love in the Victorian flower language.
- 🌱 The double petals in Chabaud's Giant Scarlet result from selective breeding that converts stamens into petals, which is why they are sometimes sterile and reproduce best from cuttings rather than seeds.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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