Lathyrus odoratus 'Winston Churchill'
spencer sweet pea
Dark crimson red, wavy-edged, velvety blooms with superb scent smother this nitrogen-fixing annual from June to August. Lathyrus odoratus is...
approx 20 seeds
£3.49
In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
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Plant description
Dark crimson red, wavy-edged, velvety blooms with superb scent smother this nitrogen-fixing annual from June to August. Lathyrus odoratus is a Spencer-type sweet pea, perfect for training up an obelisk or trellis in the garden.
The large flowers, carried on strong stems of a good length, are well-suited for cutting.
The large flowers, carried on strong stems of a good length, are well-suited for cutting.
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 but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Frost tender
How to care for Lathyrus odoratus Winston Churchill:
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
