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Sweet Pea 'Black Knight'
Seed Packet

Sweet Pea 'Black Knight'

Lathyrus odoratus
These highly scented maroon flowers glow with a deep, dark splendor and offer the classic fragrance that has entranced all that have had the pleasure of growing them. Bred by Henry Eckford, the premier sweet pea breeder in England, in 1898.
SKU #S203
Caution: Poisonous. The purchaser assumes all liability related to the use of this product.
$4.00
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
36
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Hardy Annual
Mature Size
6' h x 8" w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline pH
Season
Spring to summer
Color
Maroon
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/2-1" Tip: Soil inoculant for peas can be utilized but not essential.
Sprout Time:
5-30 days
Seed To Bloom:
12 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow in deep pots 4-6 weeks before planting out and keep at 55-65°F. Once up and before leaves unfurl transfer to cold conditions outside in a sunny spot sheltered from cold winds to keep your plants compact and flourishing and able to stand cold snaps. Protect in a coldframe, opening the frame during the day and be sure to keep well watered if weather is still snowy or very cold at night (25-30F).
Starting Outdoors:
Sow 3-4 weeks before last spring frost. In warmer climates (zone 9) sow in late autumn.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
2 weeks before last spring frost
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Sweet peas revel in moderate summer areas with nights that cool down, blooming all summer long in these areas. However, they can be grown successfully in the border or in cutting gardens in warmer regions, just with a shorter bloom time, as temperatures consistently above 80F will signal the eventual end of blooming. Transplant while still young–about 2" of growth. Mulch heavily when firmly established to keep the soil cool. Provide humus-rich soils and a trellis upon which tiny tendrils can grab hold. Pinch once when 6" tall to increase branching. Deadhead or cut daily for bouquets, as any seed-setting will signal the plant to cease blooming. Caution: seeds have toxic effects if ingested in significant amounts.
Final Spacing:
6"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Keep fairly moist—at least 1" per week, more during particularly dry spells to avoid bud drop.
Soil pH:
Neutral to alkaline.
Fertilizer:
Add about 3-4" or more of compost and aged manure and incorporate it into the soil in the fall before spring planting. Add lime or wood ash if the soil is acidic. Avoid nitrogen rich fertilizers, a high potash kelp based organic fertilizer or rose fertilizer is best.
Diseases & Pests:
Aphids may be an issue—hose down plants with a heavy stream of water regularly until the pest is gone. If slugs or snails appear, treat surrounding soil with pelletized iron phosphate. Protect sowings from mice predation, and small seedlings from damage by birds by covering with row cover until up and growing well. Keep well watered, especially during bud formation to prevent bud drop.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when half of the florets are open.