Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Aphrodite'

Water

Sweet Peas require consistent moisture, so watering should be thorough, ensuring water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During the growing season, water them once or twice a week, providing about one inch of water each time. It's best to water in the morning, which allows foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease. In warmer climates or during hot weather, increase watering frequency to maintain moist soil, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Depending on the weather and soil type, you might use about 0.5 gallons per plant per week.

Light

Sweet Peas thrive in full sunlight with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best when planted in a position where they can enjoy the morning sun, which is less intense. Light shade during the hottest part of the day can help in very warm climates, but too much shade can reduce blooming and lead to weaker plants.

Temperature

Sweet Peas prefer cooler conditions with an ideal temperature range between 55°F and 65°F. They are hardy to a minimum temperature of about 25°F for short periods but excessive cold can damage the plant. During hot weather above 75°F, plants may stop producing flowers and can suffer from heat stress.

Pruning

Pruning Sweet Peas is essential to promote more blooms and a bushier growth habit. Pinch out the growing tips when the plants are 4 to 6 inches tall to encourage branching. During the blooming season, regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. The best time for pruning is in the early stages of growth and continuously during the flowering period for continued bloom production.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet peas thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix consisting of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand will provide the nutrients and drainage they need. Adding aged manure or bone meal can enhance bloom quality.

Repotting

Sweet peas typically do not require repotting as they are annual plants; instead, they are sown directly where they are to flower and grown for one season.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet peas prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to different conditions as long as they are kept well-watered during dry periods.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide full sun, cool temps, support for climbing, and moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, provide a trellis, and keep soil moist.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Sweet Pea 'Aphrodite' begins as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and provided with enough light and warmth, germinates typically within 7-15 days. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing its first true leaves and a stem that seeks support to climb, which is a characteristic behavior of this species. As it matures, the Sweet Pea 'Aphrodite' enters a vegetative stage where it produces more leaves and tendrils, and it's at this point that regular watering and training onto a support structure is essential. The plant soon enters the flowering stage, usually a few months after planting, where it develops distinctive, fragrant flowers that can be pink, white, or lavender, depending on the variety. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers can produce pods containing several seeds each, marking the reproductive stage. Once the seeds mature, the plant begins to senesce; it can either be allowed to die back naturally at the end of the growing season, or seed pods can be harvested for future planting, thereby completing the life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Sweet pea 'Aphrodite' is commonly propagated through seeds, and the best time to sow them is in late winter to early spring, depending on your climate zone. To enhance germination, nick the seed coat with a file or soak the seeds in water for several hours before planting. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep (2.5 cm) and spaced 2 to 3 inches apart (5-7.5 cm) in well-draining soil and provide support for climbing as these are vining plants. Germination can take 10-21 days; once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be thinned or transplanted to their final growing position ensuring they have plenty of sunlight and good air circulation. It is not commonly propagated by cuttings or division due to the plant's annual life cycle and the ease of seed propagation.