20% off
Lathyrus odoratus 'Dorothy Eckford'
grandiflora sweet pea seed Dorothy Eckford
An enduring old-fashioned cultivar first introduced in 1903 by sweet pea breeder Henry Eckford. Named after Henry’s daughter Dorothy, this...
approx 20 seeds
available to order from spring
1
Delivery options
Plant description
An enduring old-fashioned cultivar first introduced in 1903 by sweet pea breeder Henry Eckford. Named after Henry’s daughter Dorothy, this popular climbing annual has medium-sized, white flowers with a wonderful fragrance. ‘Dorothy Eckford’ requires a wigwam, an obelisk, sweet pea netting, or a similar supportive framework to scramble up.
Pots are supplied with 5-7 seedlings.
Pots are supplied with 5-7 seedlings.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Frost tender
How to care for Lathyrus odoratus Dorothy Eckford:
After the risk of frost has passed, and before spring planting our 9cm sweet peas, incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting area and backfill. Once planted out, keep sweet peas well-watered, especially during dry spells, as they dislike drying out. Tie in the stems regularly to their supports to keep them upright and prevent tangling. Feed every couple of weeks with a high-potash fertiliser once flowering starts to encourage continuous blooms.
Remove faded flowers promptly to prevent seed pods forming, as this will prolong flowering. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and treat early to prevent damage. Regular picking not only keeps the display going but also provides plenty of blooms for the house.
Remove faded flowers promptly to prevent seed pods forming, as this will prolong flowering. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and treat early to prevent damage. Regular picking not only keeps the display going but also provides plenty of blooms for the house.
Sowing instructions:
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 sowing can also be made in October, where plants will be more advanced for the following year, or March-April. It is important to remove the faded flowers before they set seed, so picking them to fill a vase inside will only encourage more to form.
Direct sowing can also be made in October, where plants will be more advanced for the following year, or March-April. It is important to remove the faded flowers before they set seed, so picking them to fill a vase inside will only encourage more to form.
Warning
Humans/Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible
