Lathyrus odoratus 'Daphne'

spencer sweet pea seed Daphne

Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: June to September
• Flower colour: lavender
• Other features: highly scented flowers
• Hardiness: hardy annual
  
  The clear lavender flowers of this luscious sweet pea are a generous size - just like the more modern varieties; but they have a strong scent, which is reminiscent of the old-fashioned types. This then has the best of both worlds, and we think it is a cracker. Mix it with richer purples and plum tones to great effect.
  
  In our (not very scientific) sweet pea trial on the nursery, we found that this variety was similar in colour to Leamington, with a stem length of around 10-12" stem, but not as many flowers.
  
  All the sweet-peas in our trial produced significantly better plants when the seeds were sown in autumn rather than spring.
  
  
• Garden care:From October to late February, sow seeds into deep pots or root trainers filled with a good-quality seed compost and place them in a cold frame. Pinch out the tips as the plants grow to encourage them to become bushier and produce more flowers, and harden off before planting out in early April. Direct sowings can also be made in October or March. Before planting out, incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting hole. Apply a balanced liquid plant food every two weeks while in growth and deadhead regulary to encourage more flowers.
  
  
• Sow: October-February or April
  
  
• Flowering: June-September
  
  
• Approximate quantity: 20 seeds.