Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Deep Red' – Early-flowering, vigorous sweet william for greenhouse and outdoor cultivation

Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Deep Red' is an exceptionally strong and early-flowering variety within the well-known Sweet William series. This deep red-flowering cultivar is known for its robust growth, high-quality cut flowers, and remarkably early flowering. With its elegant umbels, intense color, and sturdy, tall stems, this Dianthus is an absolute winner for professional cut flower growers and passionate home gardeners striving for reliable, high-quality blooms.

Earliest series on the market – flowering up to 4–7 days earlier

What sets this variety apart from other Sweet William lines is its exceptional earliness. Flora Pearl Deep Red is among the earliest series currently available on the market, blooming 4 to 7 days earlier than the well-known Etournelle series. This offers growers a significant advantage, especially in professional cut flower production, where timing and market advantage often contribute directly to higher yields.

Strong, tall stems of excellent cutting quality

The plant develops strong, long stems that are ideal for use in cut flower production. These stems are sturdy enough to support a heavy flower cluster without falling over, allowing the flowers to grow perfectly straight and uniform. This ensures high vase life, a long vase life, and a luxurious appearance in bouquets.

The deep red hues of this cultivar make it a real eye-catcher in professional arrangements. The color is rich, warm, and intense, giving the flowers a luxurious and classic look. The compact inflorescence with numerous small, velvety flowers creates a full, elegant appearance.

Extremely suitable for cultivation under glass

The Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Deep Red' is particularly well-suited for greenhouse cultivation, where it benefits from a controlled microclimate and optimal light and growth conditions. These characteristics allow for even better early flowering and a highly uniform production.

Under glass the plant develops:

• Stronger and longer stems

• Early and even flowering

• High quality flower clusters

• Maximum use of the growing season

This makes the Flora Pearl Deep Red an excellent choice for professional growers who strive for predictable and reliable results.

Flowering after overwintering – sow in late summer

This Dianthus variety blooms after a cold spell, meaning the seeds are ideally sown in late summer. After germination, the young plants grow vigorously in the autumn and can then be hardened off over winter. The following spring, they bloom quickly and vigorously.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: July – September

• Wintering: light protection if necessary

• Flowering: very early spring to summer

• Location: under glass or sheltered outdoors

For hobby gardeners, the process is easy to follow, while professional growers can use it to create a predictable and efficient growing schedule.

Applications and ornamental value

Besides its professional applications, this daisy is also a rewarding plant in private gardens:

• Beautiful in picking gardens

• Luxurious appearance in borders

• Strong cut flower for bouquets

• Winter-hardy biennial cultivation method

With its deep red colour it forms a powerful contrast in combinations with soft pastel shades, purples and white flowering perennials.