Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Scarlet' – Ultra-early scarlet sweet william with strong stems

Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Scarlet' is a vigorous and remarkably early-flowering variety in the leading Flora Pearl series. With its intense scarlet umbels, strong, tall stems, and uniform growth, this cultivar is an excellent choice for professional cut flower growers, greenhouse growers, and high-quality cutting gardens. The combination of early production, reliable performance, and strong flower quality makes 'Flora Pearl Scarlet' an absolute favorite in cut flower cultivation.

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

The Flora Pearl series is widely recognized as the earliest Dianthus barbatus series on the market today. The 'Scarlet' variety blooms 4 to 7 days earlier than the popular Etournelle line, which has been a benchmark in commercial cultivation for years.

This extra earliness provides important advantages:

• Faster market entry in the spring

• Optimal sales moments at an early stage

• Better planning and crop rotation

• Competitive advantage for professional cut flower growers

This early production is particularly valuable for greenhouse and tunnel cultivation: the plants start quickly, produce stems quickly and deliver uniform cut flowers well before many other series.

Strong, tall stems – ideal for professional cut flowers

One of the biggest advantages of the Flora Pearl Scarlet is its impressive stem strength. This variety produces:

• Tall, straight stems

• Robust and strong growth structures

• Highly uniform stems, essential for commercial harvesting and processing

The flower clusters consist of countless small, velvety flowers in an intense scarlet red. This warm, vibrant hue is particularly popular in bouquets, festive arrangements, and spring creations where color and impact are key.

Perfectly suited for cultivation under glass

The Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Scarlet' performs best when grown under glass, where controlled conditions ensure maximum uniformity and quality. Under glass, the plants develop:

• Higher and stronger stems than with outdoor cultivation

• Very even flowering phases

• Optimal flower quality with compact, well-filled umbels

• Fast development, ideal for a tight cultivation schedule

For professional growers striving for predictable, high-quality production, this variety is one of the most reliable choices in the Dianthus category.

Flowering after overwintering – sow in late summer

'Flora Pearl Scarlet' is a biennial cultivar that overwinters. This means the plant needs a period of cold to produce early flowering. Sowing at the right time is essential.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: July – September

• Cultivation: late summer and early autumn, under light protection

• Wintering: cool, light and moderately moist

• Flowering: very early spring to summer

During overwintering, the plant develops a strong root system and forms compact growth. As soon as temperatures and light intensity rise, vigorous, rapid flowering with numerous strong stems follows.

Applications and ornamental value

Although developed for professional cut flower cultivation, the Flora Pearl Scarlet also makes a beautiful addition to private gardens:

• Pick-your-own gardens: produce large numbers of stems suitable for cutting

• Borders: deep scarlet shade provides strength and contrast

• Cottage gardens: perfect for colorful, loose borders

• Greenhouses: delivers guaranteed uniformity and high production

The colour has a classic, powerful look and combines beautifully with white, pink, lilac and silver-leaved plants.