Lathyrus odoratus
Heirloom Bouquet Sweet Peas
North Shore has bicolor blossoms with ruffled petals in stained-glass colors of rich claret and violet-blue. These long-stemmed flowers are sweetly perfumed and elegantly formed. They will become the highlight of your late spring and early summer garden and yield exquisite scented bouquets. The luscious shades of this Royal perfectly combine the fragrance of old-fashioned varieties with the beautiful form of exhibition sweet peas.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar. – April |
Sept – Mar. |
Full sun or |
2-3 in. apart |
12 – 28 days |
6 – 8 feet |
ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant
EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Sweet peas must have well drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before sowing seeds. Erect a well-anchored trellis, vertical netting or other support for vines before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked. In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, plant in fall after Labor Day; seeds will germinate and form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them 4 to 5 inches apart, to allow plants room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as ground can be worked. Where summer heat comes on fast, they’ll appreciate a spot with afternoon shade. Anchor supports well as vines will grow heavy with bloom. Protect seedlings from birds, slugs and snails. Mulch and keep well watered. For longest bloom, pick flowers often and keep faded blossoms cut.