Sweet Pea : Painted Lady

Hardy Annual Climber

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Cottage Gardens, Cut Flowers, Trellis
• Special Features : Scented
• Height : 6 feet

Description

This charming sweet pea dates back to the 18th century and hence it possesses the original strong, richly scented sweet pea fragrance. Bicoloured flowers of deep pink and white are borne on medium length stems. An ideal variety to grow on wigwams in the border and a delightful cut flower. Flowers summer. Climber

Sowing Instructions

Sow October indoors, or March to April outdoors. Germinate at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a free draining, damp seed compost, 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 takes 10-21 days. Spring sowings can be sown outdoors, 2.5cm (1 in) deep in drills 7.5cm (3in) apart.

Growing Instructions

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.

Aftercare

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

Harmful if eaten