Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Bert Boucher'

Water

Sweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Bert Boucher', require regular watering to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. They should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week, providing approximately one inch of water which translates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard each time. During hot or dry spells, watering frequency may need to increase to prevent the soil from drying out. It's important to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Light

Sweet peas prefer full sun with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. They will thrive in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some partial afternoon shade, especially in areas with hot summers. Avoid placing them in full shade as this will limit their growth and blooming potential.

Temperature

Sweet peas perform best in cool to moderate temperatures with an ideal range between 55°F and 65°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 25°F for short periods, but extended frost or heat above 80°F can damage the plant or inhibit its growth, making an early spring planting advantageous in most climates.

Pruning

Sweet peas benefit from regular pruning to promote vigorous growth and extended flowering. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers before they set seed, encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Prune sweet peas every two to three weeks during the blooming season and cut back any overgrowth to maintain air circulation. The best time for pruning is in the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late evening.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet pea 'Bert Boucher' thrives in a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good recipe would be a blend of equal parts peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure adequate nutrition and drainage.

Repotting

Sweet pea 'Bert Boucher' does not typically require repotting as it is an annual plant; however, if started in small pots, they should be transplanted when seedlings are large enough to handle.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet pea 'Bert Boucher' prefers moderate humidity and can tolerate the average outdoor humidity levels found in its growing zones without any special requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep well-ventilated.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, shelter from winds, support for climbing, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Lathyrus odoratus 'Bert Boucher', commonly known as sweet pea, begins its life as a hard-coated seed that requires soaking or scratching to aid germination, a process known as scarification. Once planted, typically in late winter or early spring, the seeds germinate and grow into young seedlings, developing a set of true leaves after the initial sprouting of cotyledons. As the temperature warms, the sweet pea enters a rapid vegetative growth phase, producing climbing tendrils and compound leaves that allow it to grasp onto supports. The flowering stage follows, with 'Bert Boucher' producing fragrant, bicolored flowers that attract pollinators, typically peaking in late spring to early summer. After pollination, the plant develops seed pods that, once matured, can be collected for future planting or allowed to drop and self-sow. This annual plant completes its life cycle within one growing season, withering after seed production, and relies on those seeds to propagate the next generation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The sweet pea, specifically the Lathyrus odoratus 'Bert Boucher', is most commonly propagated through its seeds. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is either in late winter or early spring, which allows the plants to establish a strong root system before warmer months stimulate their growth. Preparing the seeds involves a process called nicking or scarifying, which involves making a small cut in the seed coat or gently rubbing it with sandpaper to allow water to penetrate more easily, thereby improving germination rates. Once prepared, the seeds can be sown in pots of well-draining soil, placed at a depth of about 1 inch (around 2.5 cm) and spaced 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) apart. The seeds typically require consistent moisture to germinate effectively and should germinate within 10 to 14 days when kept at around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have grown sufficiently and are sturdy, they can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.