All about Sweet Peas

All about Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odorata)
It’s time to plant Sweet Peas for spring bloom! Delightful fragrance and a variety of lovely colors make them one of the most beloved garden flowers. Grow in beds & containers, on slopes & trellises. Pick for magnificent bouquets. Easy, long blooming, & wonderful!

These Mediterranean vining annuals are known for their fragrant blooms during our cool weather. Their blossoms come in single and mixed colors, and make a great cut flower. Remember, these are not edible type peas, so do not let your favorite mammals (humans OR pets) eat them.

There are early-flowering varieties that will bloom in midwinter when days are short (Early Flowering Multiflora, Early Multiflora), perfect for our mild winters. There are also heirloom varieties (some dating back hundreds of years) that bloom in the spring, such as "Old Spice, Cupid Pink, Ocean Foam". Try the bi-colors like "Streamers" and the ruffled "Melody Blend". There are even bush-types like "Little Sweetheart" and Knee-Hi Mix that are perfect for containers.

To help the seeds germinate, they can be soaked for several hours or even overnight before planting. Another method is to keep seeds between two wet paper towels in a baggie overnight. Always sprinkle a little Sure Start in the planting hole for guaranteed success.

Plant in rich soil and keep moist until the new leaves appear. Make sure that the trellis, strings or wire are already in place before planting. Leave a few inches space between a wall/fence and the trellis to ensure good air circulation.

Protect young plants from birds with Harvest Guard Row Cover or bird netting. Apply Sluggo to control slugs and snails, they like the cool, moist weather too.

When plants are 5"-6" tall, pinch out the tops to encourage side branching.

Regular watering, grooming (removing seedpods) and monthly fertilizing will help you enjoy a long blooming season.