Sweet dreams: for luscious color and fragrance, sow sweet peas soon in beds or pots

Sunset, Sept, 2004 by Kathleen N. Brenzel

Go on, admit it. You're charmed by sweet peas every time you see them in spring--in buckets at farmers' markets, tumbling over neighbors' fences, filling vases on friends' desks and tabletops. When you draw close to those fluttery blooms and inhale their rich perfume, you want them in your garden. But then you realize it's already late spring and well past planting time.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

If that scenario sounds familiar, here's your reminder: In the West's mild-winter climates, September into October is prime time to plant sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) for spring bloom; in cold climates, February and March are the preferred months to start seeds indoors for transplanting outside as soon as the soil can be worked. If you have never grown sweet peas before, you're in for a treat. Besides the familiar vining types, you can now grow dwarf kinds perfect for pots and hanging baskets. Choose from single colors, like vivid orange or rich purple, or whisper-soft pastel blends.

Ready to try? Buy a packet or two of seeds or nursery seedlings in cell-packs, then follow our planting tips. When the flowers appear next spring, you'll be glad you did.

Growing and care

Sweet peas do best in organically rich, well-drained soil. If your garden soil lacks these attributes, try this technique: Dig a trench 1 to 1 1/2 feet deep. Mix 1 part peat moss or other soil conditioner with 2 parts soil. Backfill the trench with the mix, then plant seeds. Mulch with compost to keep roots cool. Seeds should germinate in 10 to 14 days. When seedlings of vining types have three or four sets of leaves, encourage branching by pinching off the tops. Gently guide lengthening shoots through wire or string mesh to enhance support.

Water sweet peas regularly by hand or with a soaker hose to keep soil moist; avoid wetting the foliage. Feed plants every few weeks with dilute fish emulsion.

Once plants start flowering, pick off faded blossoms as often as daily, or plants will start setting seed and bloom will stop. The best stems for bouquets have a few bottom buds open, with the top ones getting ready to open. For more bouquet tips, see "Dynamic Duo," page 16.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hanging pots

The best choices for hanging baskets have short-stemmed blossoms and a cascading habit. Pictured at left is 'Heirloom Cupid' (RG), which grows only 8 to 10 in. tall; it has small, closely spaced leaves and diminutive blooms with a rich, fruity fragrance. The pot (12 in. wide and 11 in. deep) hangs from a wrought-iron holder by Sierra Mirage (916/481-7910 for store locations). Another good choice is Color Palette Cupid (RG), a mixture of blossoms in shades of lavender, rose pink, shell pink, purple, and white on 10-in.-tall plants.

Freestanding trellises

Vining sweet peas make great accents for flower beds or borders when you train them on freestanding trellises, such as the ones pictured here. 'Oban Bay' (FGN) and mixed sweet peas climb these spirals of rusted steel (from Sierra Mirage; see above). Both trellises stand 5 ft. tall and have four 1-ft.-long legs that poke into the ground to anchor them. DESIGN: Bud Stuckey, Sunset test garden coordinator

Containers

The easy way to get started with sweet peas is to grow a dwarf type in a patio pot. In the picture at left, Little Sweetheart Mix (FGN; to 12 in. tall) fills an 18-in.-diameter container nestled beside deep blue lobelia and purple sweet alyssum.

Other varieties suitable for pots benefit from the light support of obelisks or bamboo stakes. They include old favorites like Jet Set and Knee-Hi as well as Explorer Mix (bushy, 2 1/2-ft.-tall plants), which has long-stemmed flowers in blue, crimson, lavender, rose, salmon, scarlet, and white.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Bouquets

The best sweet peas for cutting have richly scented medium to large flowers and long, strong stems. Pictured is Pastel Sunset (RG), a new blend in creamy sherbet colors. Other great choices for cutting--all vining types--include creamy white, lilac-edged 'April in Paris' (RG); lavender-blue 'Blue Celeste' (RG); clear pink 'Grace of Monaco' (FGN); lavender-blue 'Lady Diana' (FGN); and rosy coral 'Watermelon' (RG).

Sources

Garden centers and nurseries sell seeds and seedlings. For the best selection, try one of these specialists: ESP, Enchanting Sweet Peas (www.enchantingsweetpeas.com or 800/371-0233); FGN, Fragrant Garden Nursery (www.fragrantgarden.com or 541/412-8840); RG, Renee's Garden (www.reneesgarden.com or 888/880-7228).

For further guidance, check out The Sweet Pea Book, by Graham Rice (Timber Press, 2002; $20).

RELATED ARTICLE: How to sow sweet peas

Most varieties have hard-coated seeds. To hasten germination, soak them in water overnight before planting.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In the ground. Plant in a sunny spot in rich, fast-draining soil; in hot inland climates, provide afternoon shade. String twine or netting between wood poles to create a trellis; for maximum sun, it should run north to south. Sow seeds 1 to 2 in. deep, 2 to 3 in. apart. When seedlings are about 4 in. tall, thin to 6 in. apart.