Summary
- As sweet peas are climbers, provide them with a sturdy support system like a trellis, fence, or stakes.
- Once your sweet peas are established in the garden, providing them with proper care is vital for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- To dry your sweet peas, hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Everlasting sweet peas, also known as “lathyrus odoratus,” are a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden. Known for their long-lasting blooms and delightful aroma, these climbing vines can transform any space into a fragrant paradise. But how do you grow these stunning flowers? This guide will walk you through the process of growing everlasting sweet peas, from seed to stunning blooms.
Understanding Everlasting Sweet Peas
Before embarking on your sweet pea journey, it’s essential to understand what makes these flowers unique. Everlasting sweet peas are known for their long-lasting blooms, meaning they can stay fresh and vibrant for a considerable time. This makes them ideal for bouquets, dried arrangements, and even crafting.
Choosing the Right Variety
With a wide variety of everlasting sweet peas available, selecting the right one for your garden is crucial. Consider factors like bloom color, fragrance, and growth habit. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Cupani’: Known for its vibrant purple blooms and strong fragrance.
- ‘Matucana’: This variety boasts large, ruffled blooms in shades of pink and white.
- ‘Painted Lady’: Offers a mix of colors, including pink, red, and white, with a delicate fragrance.
- ‘Sweet Pea ‘Old Spice’: A classic variety with a rich, spicy fragrance and deep purple blooms.
Starting from Seed: The Foundation for Success
Growing everlasting sweet peas from seed is a rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Timing is Key: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. This gives them ample time to germinate and develop strong roots.
2. Seed Starting Mix: Use a seed starting mix that’s well-draining and provides adequate nutrients.
3. Planting Depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover them lightly with the seed starting mix.
4. Moisture and Light: Keep the seed trays moist but not soggy. Provide them with bright, indirect light.
5. Thinning: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them out to give each plant ample space to grow.
Transplanting to the Garden: A New Home for Your Sweet Peas
Once the threat of frost has passed, it’s time to transplant your seedlings into the garden. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Location, Location, Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Everlasting sweet peas thrive in full sun to partial shade.
2. Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Spacing: Space your seedlings 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
4. Support System: As sweet peas are climbers, provide them with a sturdy support system like a trellis, fence, or stakes.
Nurturing Your Everlasting Sweet Peas: Essential Care Tips
Once your sweet peas are established in the garden, providing them with proper care is vital for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
1. Watering: Water your sweet peas regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
2. Fertilizing: Feed your sweet peas with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. This will help them produce strong stems and vibrant blooms.
3. Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage new flower production. Deadheading also helps to prevent the plant from going to seed.
4. Pest Control: Monitor your plants for pests like aphids and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Harvesting and Preserving Your Sweet Pea Blooms
The culmination of your efforts comes when your everlasting sweet peas begin to bloom. Here’s how to harvest and preserve their beauty:
1. Harvesting: Cut the blooms in the morning when they are at their peak freshness.
2. Drying: To dry your sweet peas, hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
3. Storing: Once dry, store your sweet pea blooms in airtight containers to preserve their color and fragrance.
The Final Chapter: Enjoying Your Everlasting Sweet Pea Blooms
With your dried sweet pea blooms, you can create beautiful and long-lasting arrangements. Use them to adorn your home, add a touch of elegance to special occasions, or even create unique and fragrant crafts.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. How long do everlasting sweet peas last?
Dried everlasting sweet peas can last for several months, even years, if properly stored.
2. Can I grow everlasting sweet peas in containers?
Yes, you can grow everlasting sweet peas in containers as long as you provide them with adequate drainage and support.
3. What are the best companion plants for everlasting sweet peas?
Good companion plants for everlasting sweet peas include herbs like rosemary and sage, as well as flowers like zinnias and cosmos.
4. Can I start everlasting sweet peas from cuttings?
While possible, starting everlasting sweet peas from cuttings is not as common as starting from seed.
5. What are some creative ways to use dried everlasting sweet peas?
Dried everlasting sweet peas can be used in flower arrangements, wreaths, potpourri, and even as decorative accents for crafts.
