Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Violet' – Ultra-early violet hue for high-quality cut flower production

Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Violet' is an elegant, vigorous variety in the leading Flora Pearl series. With its deep violet hues, strong, tall stems, and very early flowering, this cultivar is a top choice for professional cut flower growers, cut flower gardens, and greenhouse growers. Its reliable growth, excellent uniformity, and high-quality flowers make this variety ideal for growers seeking predictable, commercial production and a rich, luxurious appearance in their flower assortment.

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

The Flora Pearl series is known as the earliest-flowering Dianthus barbatus line currently available. The 'Flora Pearl Violet' variety blooms 4 to 7 days earlier than the Etournelle series, which for years served as the benchmark in early cut flower cultivation.

This significant earliness offers several advantages:

• Faster start to the growing season

• Higher sales opportunities in the first peak weeks

• More flexibility in cultivation planning

• Greater competitiveness for professional growers

This ultra-violet performance makes 'Flora Pearl Violet' particularly valuable in greenhouse and tunnel cultivation, where timing can make the difference between average and excellent yields.

Strong, tall stems – reliable and uniform

One of the most important qualities of this variety is its strong, tall stems. The plant develops:

• Straight, sturdy stems suitable for commercial harvesting

• Uniform, compact growth, essential for professional production

• Rich umbels consisting of countless small flowers

The color is a deep, elegant violet-purple, adding luxury and depth to any bouquet. This makes the cultivar particularly popular in modern flower arrangements, but also in more classic designs where rich colors take center stage.

Ideal for cultivation under glass

The Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Violet' performs best in a greenhouse environment, where temperature, light, and humidity can be controlled. Under glass, the plant develops:

• Longer, more powerful stems than outside

• Maximum uniformity in growth and flowering

• Constant, reliable production

• High quality flower clusters with a full structure

For professional cut flower growers, greenhouse cultivation offers optimal security and a high-quality harvest that can be delivered early and predictably.

Flowering after overwintering – sow in late summer

Like most professional Dianthus barbatus cultivars, the Flora Pearl Violet also blooms after a cold spell. The plant needs a significant winter rest period to develop early, vigorous blooms in spring.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: July – September

• Growing: late summer and autumn

• Wintering: keep cool, light and moderately moist

• Flowering: very early spring to summer

During the winter, the plant forms a solid foundation. As soon as light and temperature increase in spring, it sprouts rapidly and produces strong, cut-worthy stems with rich violet umbels.

Applications and ornamental value

This cultivar was developed for the professional sector, but also shows beautiful ornamental value in private gardens:

• Pick-a-Pick Gardens: Produces many long, strong stems with rich color

• Borders: adds depth and contrast between soft pastel shades

• Cottage gardens: harmonizes beautifully with pink, lilac and white

• Greenhouse cultivation: ideal for reliable and uniform spring harvests

The intense violet colour gives an elegant, almost royal appearance and makes every flower arrangement instantly special.