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Sweet Pea 'Painted Lady'
Sweet Pea 'Painted Lady'
Seed Packet

Sweet Pea 'Painted Lady'

Lathyrus odoratus
The inspiration to Keats: "Here are sweet peas, on tip-toe for a flight: with wings of gentle flush o'er delicate white, and taper fingers catching at all things, to bind them all about with tiny rings." Introduced in 1737, these old-fashioned flowers of ivory with a blush of pink are exquisitely scented and bloom early and reliably.
SKU #S208
Caution: Poisonous. The purchaser assumes all liability related to the use of this product.
$4.00
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
Bicolor pink and white
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterfly
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.
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. 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.
Final Spacing:
6"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Keep fairly moist—at least 1" per week, more during particularly dry spells.
Soil pH:
Neutral to alkaline.
Fertilizer:
Incorporate about 3-4" or more of compost and aged manure prior to planting. Add lime if soil is acid. This prep can be done in the fall if desired.
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.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
When blossoms are halfway opened.