Sweet Pea 'Spanish dancer' - Lathyrus odoratus

20 seeds

Vibrant Pink Blooms:

The large, rose-pink flowers with a deep magenta center create a striking contrast that is eye-catching and vibrant. These blooms stand out in any garden setting.

Fragrant:

Known for its delightful, sweet fragrance, this variety fills the air with a lovely scent, making it ideal for fragrant gardens or adding a touch of elegance to flower arrangements.

Compact Climber:

Sweet Pea 'Spanish Dancer' is a climbing variety, growing up to 6-8 feet tall. It is ideal for training on trellises, fences, or arbors where its stunning blooms can be appreciated up close.

Long-Lasting Blooms:

This sweet pea variety produces an abundance of flowers from late spring to early summer, ensuring your garden stays in bloom for a long period.

Pollinator-Friendly:

Sweet Pea 'Spanish Dancer' attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Light Requirements:

Sweet Pea 'Spanish Dancer' thrives in full sun. It needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flowering and overall growth. A sunny location will ensure robust blooms and healthy vines.

Watering:

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the flowering season. Water the plant deeply, but avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained to maintain healthy roots. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Soil:

Sweet peas prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They grow best in loamy or sandy soil with a slightly alkaline pH (around 6.5 to 7.5). For container gardening, use a good-quality, well-draining potting mix.

Fertilization:

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when the plants are establishing themselves. You can also provide additional phosphorus-rich fertilizer once the plants begin flowering to promote more blooms. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can lead to excessive leafy growth rather than flowers.

Support:

Sweet Peas are climbing vines, so they need a structure to grow on. Provide a trellis, fence, or netting to support their upward growth. Even a small trellis or stake will help support the vine and keep the blooms upright. Train the plants by gently tying them to the support structure as they grow.

Pruning:

Deadheading or removing spent flowers will encourage the plant to continue producing new blooms. While no heavy pruning is needed, cutting back the plants after flowering can also help prepare them for next season’s growth if grown as a perennial.

Pests & Diseases:

Sweet Peas can occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, or snails, which can be controlled using organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap. For fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering, which can increase the likelihood of such diseases.

Mulching:

Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool. Be careful not to cover the stems to avoid rot.

Cutting Flowers:

Sweet Pea 'Spanish Dancer' makes an excellent cut flower for vases. The long stems and vibrant blooms will last for several days in water. To encourage even more blooms, regularly cut flowers for use in arrangements.

Companion Planting:

Sweet Peas pair well with roses, lavender, and sunflowers, creating beautiful contrasts in color and form. These companions also work well in a garden designed to attract pollinators.

Container Gardening:

If planting in containers, ensure your pots have good drainage and a large enough space to accommodate the root system. Planting on a trellis or cage inside a container will help keep the vines tidy and encourage healthy growth.

Deadheading:

Regularly remove dead or spent flowers to extend the blooming period and promote new flowers.