Wavelength converters including coarse particles/grains of a red nitride phosphor are disclosed. In some embodiments the red nitride phosphor is a (Ca,Sr,Ba)2Si5N8:Eu phosphor with a D50 grain size or a D50 particle size that is ≥5 microns. The red nitride phosphor may be encapsulated within an organic matrix or present in an inorganic matrix. In the latter case, the inorganic matrix may include fine grains with a D50 grain size