Lathyrus odoratus 'Parfume Millennium' is a Hardy Annual (H3). It belongs to the celebrated Spencer group, which is the preferred choice for cutting gardens due to the substantial length of the stems and the beautifully ruffled texture of the large petals.

Sun-Proof Colour: Crimson Sweet Peas can sometimes be prone to "burning" in hot weather, but 'Millennium' has been specifically selected for its colour stability. The velvet-red blooms remain crisp and vibrant from their first opening until they fade.

Exhibition Standard: Due to its vigour and the consistent quality of its blooms—often producing four flowers per stem—this variety is a frequent winner on the exhibition bench and a staple for florists.

Sweet Peas are famously rewarding, but they are "hungry" plants that require a rich soil and consistent attention to flower all summer long.

How to Sow:
Autumn Sowing (Best): Sow in October or November in deep pots or root trainers. Overwintering in a cold frame allows for a massive root system and flowers as early as May. Spring Sowing: Sow indoors from January to March. Sow seeds 1cm deep in moist compost; keep cool (around 15°C) to prevent germination failure from heat. Soaking seeds in tepid water overnight before sowing can help rehydration.

Where to Plant:
Plant out in late March or April once the soil is workable. They demand full sun and deep, fertile soil—digging in well-rotted manure or compost before planting is essential to provide the nutrients they crave. Provide a strong support structure like a trellis or wigwam immediately.

Ongoing Care:
Pinch Out: When the plant reaches 10cm, pinch off the top growing tip to encourage bushy side-growth. The Golden Rule: Pick the flowers daily! Never allow seed pods to form; if the plant begins to set seed, it will stop producing flowers. Feed weekly with high-potash fertiliser (tomato feed) once buds appear.

The intense crimson of 'Millennium' creates a dramatic effect when paired with airy textures or patriotic colours from our range :

• 🌿 Ammi Majus (Bishop's Flower): The Sophisticated Mix. The delicate, frothy white lace of Ammi provides an ethereal background that helps break up the heavy, solid red of the 'Millennium' blooms, creating a modern meadow-style display.
• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Regal Pair. Red and blue are a classic garden combination. Planting the deep velvet-crimson of 'Millennium' behind a drift of our electric-blue Cornflowers creates a vibrant, high-energy border that is a magnet for bees.

Sow in autumn for exhibition flowers, or spring for summer-long blooms.