Sweet Pea Spencer Rose

Sweet Pea Spencer Rose — variety description

Sweet Pea Spencer Rose (Lathyrus odoratus) is an annual flower of the legume family (Fabaceae). Lathyrus Spencer needs a cool, moist root run and regular watering in dry weather.

Known for its incredible fragrance, large flowers and strong flowering, the sweet pea blooms in a wide range of charming colours.

Grows to 120-180 cm tall and 45 cm wide.

Prefers partial shade or sun.

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: 84%
• Pack size: 0.8 g
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: February and March; direct or seedlings
• Flowering: March – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Sweet Pea Spencer Rose

Sweet Pea Spencer Rose 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 Spencer Rose

• 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 Spencer Rose be sown?

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

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 84%. 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.