Giant Chabaud Enfant De Nice

Family: Caryophyllaceae Herbaceous flowering plant

Fragrant, ruffled blooms unfurl in abundance—each petal edged like fine lace, carrying a luminous glow that feels almost candlelit in the garden.

Giant Chabaud Enfant De Nice forms sturdy, upright stems that hold their showy character through the season, with a richly textured surface and a classic carnation presence that’s equally striking in beds and borders or as a long-lasting cut. Grow it for its grand, celebratory flowers and dependable perennial performance, then enjoy the way it turns every sunny corner into a living bouquet.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Giant Chabaud Enfant De Nice

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Aug 16th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Even though it’s a carnation, this type leans strongly aromatic—use the petals like a delicate spice: steep for scent or sugar for a clean crunch. Keep it light on sweetness so the clove-tinged perfume doesn’t take over.

Best Uses

crystalized or sugared petals for cake and pastry garnish
infuse milk or cream for floral-scented custards and ice cream
tear fresh petals into fruit salads and summer drinks for perfumed color
steep petals into syrups for cocktails or panna cotta

Flavor Profile

fragrant, sweetly spicy clove-like notes lightly peppery finish petals feel silky with a faint snap at the edge

Kitchen Pairings

dark chocolate honey vanilla lemon zest strawberries almonds

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Dianthus caryophyllus (carnations) like Giant Chabaud, and how do I prevent it?

A frequent issue is fungal leaf spot/botrytis (grey mold), especially when leaves stay wet and airflow is poor. Water at the soil line, avoid getting foliage wet, and remove any spotted or dead leaves promptly; space plants to keep the canopy open. If you see recurring spotting or grey growth, apply a labeled fungicide for ornamental carnations according to the label and improve air circulation immediately.

How often should I water Dianthus caryophyllus during peak growth (roughly weeks 4–10) to keep it healthy?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In typical home gardens this often works out to about 1–2 deep waterings per week, but adjust for heat and soil texture; sandy soils need more frequent deep soaking, heavy soils less. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, but never let mulch sit against the crown.

How can I tell when Giant Chabaud Enfant De Nice (Dianthus caryophyllus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when flower buds are fully colored and just about to open—petals should be formed but not yet fully flared. For best vase quality, cut early in the morning and choose stems with firm buds (avoid blooms that are already past opening or browning at the edges). With carnations, continue harvesting regularly to encourage additional flowering until the plants decline with cold or heat stress.