Our own blend, put together from the sweet peas we trial here at Salle Moor Hall Farm each year, chosen first for scent, then for stem length, then for colour. Soft pinks, deep crimsons, whites, rich purples and the bicolour picotees, climbing to about two metres on a decent support.
Fragrance is what a sweet pea is for, and it is worth saying that the modern large-flowered Spencer types have often traded some of it away for size and ruffle. Everything in this mix was picked with the nose first.
Autumn sowing is markedly better than spring. Sow into deep pots or root trainers in October or November, overwinter them in a cold frame, and the root system they build gives stronger plants and flowers from May. A spring sowing works and gives you less. Soak the seed in tepid water for a few hours to soften the coat, and sow into something deep, because the taproot is long. And pick every single flower as it opens, whether you want it indoors or not. Let one set a seed pod and the plant decides its work is done.
The seeds look like garden peas and are mildly toxic. Keep them away from children.
Specifications
Colour
Mixed
Height & Spread
Height 1.8–2.0m (climber), spread 30cm
Position
Full sun is essential for the best flower production. While they will tolerate light, dappled shade, heavy shade will drastically reduce blooming.
Soil
Moisture-retentive but never waterlogged. Sweet peas are thirsty and require consistent moisture.
