I have fond memories of sweet peas. We’re talking the flowers
not the edible kind. When I was a child, my mother would plant a
bunch of sweet peas along the back fence. They would twist and
climb up the simple chicken wire she placed in front of the wooden
fence. We would have beautiful and oh-so-fragrant sweet peas all
fall and winter long. I can still smell the fragrance of just-cut
sweet peas in vases strewn throughout the house.
I have fond memories of sweet peas. We’re talking the flowers not the edible kind. When I was a child, my mother would plant a bunch of sweet peas along the back fence. They would twist and climb up the simple chicken wire she placed in front of the wooden fence. We would have beautiful and oh-so-fragrant sweet peas all fall and winter long. I can still smell the fragrance of just-cut sweet peas in vases strewn throughout the house.
Sweet peas (Lahyrus odoratus) are easily started by seed this time of year. In fact, sweet peas are best grown in our cooler fall/winter weather instead of summer. Their scent is surely one of the most seductive of all flower fragrances. Their ruffled blossoms, soft, velvety texture and glowing colors make them one of my personal favorites.
Be aware that sweet peas not only come in many varieties and colors, but also types. Traditional varieties like “Early Mammoth” or “Royal Family Mix” are climbers that can reach 6 to 9 feet tall. They obviously will need something to attach themselves to. Chicken wire like my mom used to use is fine, but you can use any type of wire or wooden lath or trellises.
Dwarf and nonclimbing bush types of sweet peas have been developed during the past 50 years. Varieties like “Knee-Hi” and “Supersnoop” will grow about 3 feet. These are compact plants that won’t need staking. They can even be planted in hanging baskets.
Because so many varieties have been developed over the years, sweet peas come in a symphony of soft colors and bi-colors. Modern sweet pea varieties include the so-called “Spencer” types.
Named after a natural mutation in the gardens of the Earl of Spencer, “Spencer” sweet peas feature larger, wonderfully ruffled upper or “standard” petals, longer lower “wing” petals and much showier blossoms overall.
The already-mentioned “Royal” series is still the most commonly grown sweet pea for the cut flower market.
Growing sweet peas are quite easy and inexpensive because they are started by seed rather than more expensive already-started transplants. In our mild-winter climate, sweet peas can be planted now through January and February. They can handle frosts and full sun in cooler weather.
Because of their hard shell, some gardeners swear by soaking sweet pea seeds in water overnight. Other gardeners never soak seeds and still have good results. If you do soak seeds, do not leave them in water longer than eight hours before planting them immediately.
Sweet pea seedlings are very attractive to birds and snails. Be vigilant about protecting seedlings from them. Once they do start to produce, be sure to pick flowers around every other day to keep seed pods from maturing and going to seed.
The more you pick, the more new flowers the plants will develop. For best results, pick sweet peas in the morning and put them in water right away.
The very best selection of sweet pea seeds can be found by mail order from Renee’s Garden. Renee Shepherd’s business is located in Felton in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains.
She offers all sorts of varieties, as well as individual color packets like “Electric Blue” and “Lipstick.” Check her business out on the web at: www.reneesgarden.com, or call (888) 880-7228.
