Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Appleblossom' – Early flowering daisy with a soft apple blossom color

Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Appleblossom' is an exceptionally elegant variety within the renowned Flora Pearl series. This early-flowering daisy is beloved for its soft, pearl-pink apple blossom color and its reliable performance in both professional cultivation and home gardens. Thanks to its combination of sturdy stems, early flowering, and high uniformity, this variety is ideal for cut flower production, cutting gardens, and high-quality flower production under glass.

Earliest series on the market – 4–7 days earlier than Etournelle

The Flora Pearl series is known as the earliest Dianthus barbatus series on the market, and 'Appleblossom' is no exception. With a flowering time 4 to 7 days earlier than the Etournelle series, this variety offers a noticeable head start on the growing season. For professional growers, this means a significant improvement in production planning, early market availability, and increased sales opportunities during the first peak weeks of the season.

The early flowering also makes the 'Flora Pearl Appleblossom' ideal for cultivation under glass, where heat and light can be better controlled to make the most of its earliness.

Strong, tall stems for high-quality cut flowers

A key characteristic of this variety is its excellent stem quality. The stems are:

• Tall and straight, ideal for cut flower cultivation

• Strong and sturdy, so they don't kink easily

• Uniform, which is essential for commercial harvesting

The flower clusters consist of countless small flowers with a soft, glossy apple blossom color: white with subtle pink hues. This delicate appearance makes the cultivar perfect for romantic bouquets, wedding arrangements, and light spring creations.

Particularly suitable for cultivation under glass

The Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Appleblossom' thrives best when grown under glass. In a greenhouse environment, the plant develops:

• Stronger and taller stems

• Very uniform growth

• A fast and predictable flowering induction

• High-quality flower clusters with a luxurious appearance

For professional growers, this variety offers maximum control and a reliable product with excellent vase life.

The plant also performs exceptionally well in hobby greenhouses or tunnel greenhouses and provides rich, long-lasting flowering.

Flowering after overwintering – ideally sow in late summer

To maximize earliness and quality, this Dianthus is sown in late summer. The plants develop in the fall, overwinter vigorously, and begin vigorous growth and flowering in early spring.

Cultivation schedule (advice):

• Sowing: July – September

• Growing: late summer and autumn

• Wintering: cool, light, moderately moist

• Flowering: very early spring to summer

This overwintering cycle creates a robust plant that is immediately ready to sprout and flower quickly in spring.

Ornamental value and uses

Although the cultivar is primarily chosen for professional cut flower cultivation, it also has enormous ornamental value for private gardens:

• Borders: soft colours combine beautifully with lilac, purple, dark red and white.

• Pick-your-own gardens: sturdy stems and excellent vase life.

• Cottage gardens: fit perfectly into romantic, natural garden styles.

• Pots and containers: ideal for patios with a rural look.

The apple blossom color adds an elegant, feminine touch to any garden or flower arrangement.