Sweet Pea Parfume Millennium
Sweet Pea Parfume Millennium
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Sweet Pea 'Millennium' Seeds
If you want a Sweet Pea that makes a statement, 'Millennium' is the one. It produces large, show-stopping flowers in a deep, intense shade of velvet crimson-red. Unlike some older red varieties which can scorch or fade in the sun, this variety holds its rich, dark colour beautifully, shimmering like ruby silk in the light.
This is a classic 'Spencer' type, meaning it has been bred for long, sturdy stems and frilly blooms, making it exceptional for cutting. However, unlike many show varieties that sacrifice smell for size, 'Millennium' hasn't lost its charm—it carries a lovely fragrance that matches its dramatic good looks.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Sweet Peas are **Hardy Annuals**.
They grow, flower, and set seed in one year, but they are tough enough to survive a British winter.
The Strategy: For the very best results (and the longest stems), sow in Autumn (Oct/Nov) and overwinter the plants in a cold frame. This allows them to build a massive root system. Alternatively, sow in Spring (Jan-March) for a reliable summer display.
Top Tip: Sweet Peas are deep rooters. Sow them in "root trainers" or deep pots (toilet roll tubes work well!) to give the roots room to grow down without spiralling.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
Sweet Peas require rich soil and regular attention to perform their best.
Germination:
Sow indoors in Oct/Nov or Jan-March. You can soak the seeds in tepid water overnight to help them rehydrate. Sow 1cm deep in moist compost. Keep cool (approx 15°C)—too much heat will stop them germinating! They usually sprout in 10-21 days.
Where to Sow:
They need **full sun** and nutrient-rich soil. Dig a trench and fill it with well-rotted manure or compost before planting. They are vigorous climbers, so ensure you have tall canes or netting installed.
Care While Growing:
Tie them in: Use soft twine to guide the stems up the support.
Feed: Sweet Peas are hungry. Feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser (tomato feed) once the flowers appear.
Harvest: Pick flowers daily. If you let seed pods form, the plant assumes its life work is done and will stop flowering.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Lathyrus odoratus |
| Common Name | Sweet Pea 'Millennium' |
| Hardiness | H3 (Hardy Annual) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 1.8m - 2.4m (Climber) |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 20cm - 30cm apart |
| Great for | 🔴 Bold Colour ✂️ Exhibition Cutting 👃 Scented Gardens 🪜 Covering Arches |
| Seed Count | Approx. 20 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
The intense red of 'Millennium' needs cool or neutral partners to stop it looking overpowering:
- ❄️ Ammi Majus (Queen Anne's Lace): The perfect cooling agent. The flat, white lacy heads of Ammi Majus act as a neutral foil, breaking up the heavy red of the Sweet Peas and making them look even more vibrant.
- 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': A regal combination. Deep Red and Royal Blue is a classic, rich colour scheme. Plant the Cornflowers at the base of the trellis for a dense, jewel-toned display.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow in Autumn for early flowers, or Spring for summer blooms.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Seeds | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Sweet Pea seeds are mildly toxic if eaten in large quantities. Unlike vegetable garden peas, these pods are not for eating. Please keep seeds away from small children.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
'Millennium' holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM). It is recognised as a superior variety for its vigorous growth, flower quality, and reliability in the UK climate.
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