Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 3m/10ft, width: 15-39cm/6-12in
The sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus, climbs by means of leaf tendrils. Its wing-petalled flowers are coloured white, pink, red, lilac or cream, and are sometimes strongly scented. They are extremely popular as cut flowers.
PROPAGATION Sowing can take place either in very early spring in a heated greenhouse or in late spring directly in the flowering site. To speed germination, soak the seeds in water for 12 hours before sowing. Prick out seedlings from early sowings into 7.5cm/3in pots and harden off before planting out in late spring. Plants may also be raised from summer sowings in a cold frame and set out the following year.
GROWING Sweet peas thrive on rich soil. Dig plenty of wellrotted compost or manure into the growing site before planting out. Provide pea sticks or posts and wires for support. Pinch out plants at 15cm/6in high to encourage side shoots. Pick the flowers regularly.
VARIETIES The popular Spencer group includes `Swan Lake', white; `Noel Sutton', deep blue; `Leamington', lavender; `Princess Elizabeth', coral pink and cream; `Carlotta', carmine red. `Knee-Hi', dwarf type, supported with light brushwood makes a bush about 1.2 x 1.2m/4 x 4ft, many colours available.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Slugs on leaves; mildew may occur.
