Sweet Pea Cuthbertson Tommy

Sweet Pea Cuthbertson Tommy — variety description

Sweet Pea Cuthbertson Tommy (Lathyrus odoratus) is an annual flower of the legume family (Fabaceae). An annual, profusely flowering climbing flower with large, wavy petals and vivid colours.

It is notable for an intense fragrance and a long flowering period, suitable for cut flowers, pergolas, fences and vertical greening.

Exceptionally showy for gardens and balconies.

Lathyrus (sweet pea) is the most fragrant climbing flower for cutting, with delicate butterfly-like blooms in pastel and rich tones. Spencer varieties have large, ruffled flowers on long stems.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 92%
• Seeds per packet: 0–1 pcs (0.1 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February and March; direct or seedlings
• Flowering: March – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Sweet Pea Cuthbertson Tommy

Sweet Pea Cuthbertson Tommy seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower in March – September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Sweet Pea Cuthbertson Tommy

• Sowing method: direct or seedlings
• Depth: 2–3 cm
• Spacing: 15–20 cm, up to a support 1.5–2 m
• Germination: 10–20 days at 15–18 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Incorporate well-rotted organic matter before planting and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid watering from above. This plant is attractive to bees and butterflies. Plant sweet peas in the garden in very late winter or early spring, as soon as the soil is dry enough. Planting depth 1 cm. Flowering is prolonged from spring to autumn.

Soak the seeds for 12–24 hours or nick the seed coat. Sow early: in autumn or in February–April; sweet peas like cool conditions at the start. Pinch out the tip at 3–4 pairs of leaves to encourage branching.

Flowering and uses

Cut the flowers every day or two: the more you cut, the more it flowers. The seeds are not edible.

Frequently asked questions

When should Sweet Pea Cuthbertson Tommy be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: direct or seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 0–1 seeds, pack size 0.1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 92%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why should sweet peas be soaked before sowing?

The seed coat is hard; soaking for 12–24 hours speeds up germination.

Is lathyrus (sweet pea) edible?

No: unlike the garden pea, the seeds and pods of sweet pea are poisonous.