Lathyrus odoratus 'Swan Lake' is a Hardy Annual (H3). While it completes its lifecycle in one season, it is robust enough to survive a typical British winter as a small seedling if sown in autumn.

The Spencer Pedigree: Spencer varieties are the most popular type for modern cutting gardens. They are characterized by their large, waved, and ruffled petals and their ability to produce multiple blooms on long, straight stems. 'Swan Lake' is a recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, confirming it as a top-performing variety for UK gardeners.

Wildlife Champion: Sweet peas are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators. Their accessible blooms are particularly favoured by bumblebees, providing high-energy forage throughout the midsummer.

Sweet peas are "hungry" plants and thrive in rich, fertile soil that has been well-conditioned with compost or manure.

How to Sow:
Autumn Sowing (Best): Sow in October or November in deep pots or root trainers to accommodate their long taproots. Overwinter in a cold frame for the strongest plants and earlier flowers. Spring Sowing: Sow indoors from January to March. Sow seeds 1cm deep in moist compost; keep cool (approx 15°C) as excessive heat can inhibit germination. Germination typically takes 10-21 days.

Where to Plant:
Plant out in late March or April once the soil is workable. They demand full sun and a sheltered spot with sturdy support—think bamboo wigwams, trellis, or netting.

Ongoing Care:
The Pinch: When the plants reach 10cm, pinch out the top growing tip to encourage branching. The Golden Rule: Harvest flowers regularly and remove all seed pods immediately. If the plant is allowed to set seed, it will stop producing flowers. Feed fortnightly with high-potash fertiliser once buds appear.

The pure white of 'Swan Lake' acts as a sophisticated blender for the cottage border. Try these pairings from our website :

• 🏰 Larkspur 'Giant Imperial': The Vertical Match. The towering, colourful spires of Larkspur provide a magnificent background for the scrambling white vines of 'Swan Lake', creating a classic English summer look.
• ❄️ Ammi Majus: The Ethereal White Border. Pairing the solid, ruffled blooms of 'Swan Lake' with the frothy, lacy clouds of Ammi Majus creates a dreamy, sophisticated display of textures in white.

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