Lathyrus odoratus - Fragrantissima (Sweetpea)
Sweetpeas are know for their fragrance and this variety ‘Fragrantissima’ is no exception. With a wide range of colours, from white, through all the pink shades, reds, blues, purples, bicolours, stripes and reverse bicolours, Lathyrus odoratus Fragrantissima is a must have for your garden this summer.
Gardening Which? recently found it to be the most fragrant variety! With large flowers and strong stems, this sweetpea makes wonderful cut flowers. Can be enjoyed over several months in the house and garden.
Sowing Lathyrus Seeds
Sow your sweetpea seeds from October indoors, or March to April outdoors. They will germinate at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a free draining, damp seed compost. Plant 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3in) pot. Apply a layer of compost 1cm (½in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes between 10-21 days. Spring sowings can be sown outdoors, 2.5cm (1 in) deep in drills 7.5cm (3in) apart.
Overwinter October sown plants in cooler conditions such as a coldframe before planting out in spring when the ground has warmed, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart.
Pinch out the growing point once the first or second pair of leaves has opened. Water freely during dry weather and apply well rotted manure occasionally. Regular removal of spent flowers will encourage further blooms.
Caution: sweetpeas are harmful if eaten.