Sweet Pea ‘North Shore’

Lathyrus odoratus

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Fragrant
  • Toxic
  • Vine

Description

A must-grow novelty and one of my all-time favorites, this stunning two-toned bicolor bred by Dr. Keith Hammett has deep navy standard petals with soft violet wings.

Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds are poisonous if ingested. Use caution around children and pets.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

In mild areas, seed can be sown in pots in the fall, overwintered in a sheltered spot, and planted out in spring. Everywhere else, sow seed 10 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out right around last frost. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when there are at least 2 unopened flowers at the tip of a stem. It’s especially important to use flower food. Expect a vase life of 4 to 5 days.

Details

Description

A must-grow novelty and one of my all-time favorites, this stunning two-toned bicolor bred by Dr. Keith Hammett has deep navy standard petals with soft violet wings.

Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds are poisonous if ingested. Use caution around children and pets.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

In mild areas, seed can be sown in pots in the fall, overwintered in a sheltered spot, and planted out in spring. Everywhere else, sow seed 10 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out right around last frost. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when there are at least 2 unopened flowers at the tip of a stem. It’s especially important to use flower food. Expect a vase life of 4 to 5 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.