Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Salmon' – Ultra-early salmon-pink sweet william for high-quality cut flower cultivation

Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Salmon' is an exclusive variety within the ultra-vibrant Flora Pearl series. With its elegant salmon-pink flowers, strong stems, and exceptionally early blooms, this cultivar is a top choice for professional cut flower growers, cutting gardens, and high-quality greenhouse production. Its vigorous growth, uniform performance, and excellent vase life make this variety one of the most reliable Dianthus options on the market.

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

The Flora Pearl series is known as the earliest Dianthus barbatus series commercially available, and the 'Salmon' variety fully confirms that reputation. This cultivar blooms 4 to 7 days earlier than the Etournelle series, which is traditionally considered one of the earliest flowering lines. This extra early flowering offers growers clear advantages:

• Faster market entry in spring

• Higher yield in the first peak weeks

• Optimal usability in greenhouse and tunnel cultivation

• Improved planning and crop rotation

For both professional florists and cultivation companies, this means a valuable advantage in a competitive market.

Strong, tall handles of professional quality

One of the greatest qualities of the Flora Pearl Salmon is its excellent stem strength. The plants develop:

• Tall, straight stems

• Strong and compact growth

• Uniform and even stems, ideal for commercial harvesting

The flowers themselves form round, full umbels filled with countless small blooms in warm salmon-pink hues. This soft, elegant color is popular in bridal work, romantic bouquets, and modern flower arrangements where subtle pastels are desired.

Perfect for growing under glass

The Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Salmon' is particularly well-suited for greenhouse cultivation, where it reveals its full potential. Under these controlled conditions, the plant develops:

• Higher and more powerful stems

• Faster and more even flowering

• Optimal flower quality

• Regular and predictable production

For growers striving for reliable, uniform cut flower production, this variety is a highly efficient choice. Under glass, fewer disruptions are expected, maximizing earliness and uniformity.

Blooms after overwintering – sow in late summer

This Dianthus variety blooms after a cold spell, meaning the growing cycle must be carefully planned. To ensure earliness, it's recommended to sow in late summer so the plants can develop in the fall and then overwinter robustly.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: July – September

• Growing: late summer and autumn

• Wintering: cool, light, moderately moist

• Flowering: very early spring to summer

In spring the plant grows vigorously and quickly produces strong flower stems, making it one of the first cut flowers of the season.

Applications and ornamental value

Although primarily developed for professional cut flower cultivation, this cultivar also offers considerable ornamental value for private gardens:

• Pick-your-own gardens: produce large quantities of cut-worthy stems

• Borders: provides warm, soft color nuances

• Cottage gardens: perfect for romantic plant combinations

• Greenhouses: exceptionally high reliability and uniformity

Thanks to its luxurious salmon-pink colour, 'Flora Pearl Salmon' can easily be combined with white, pastel pink, lilac and silver-grey foliage plants for a harmonious, soft look.