Sweet pea 'Daily Mail' Lathyrus odoratus 'Daily Mail'

Water

Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' should be watered deeply once a week, allowing water to reach the roots without saturating the plant to the point of creating standing water. The amount needed will vary with climate and soil conditions, but generally, about one gallon to one and a half gallons per week per plant should suffice. In hotter, drier weather, check the soil moisture level more frequently; it should remain moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the weather cools and rainfall increases. Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.

Light

Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' flourishes best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight daily, so the ideal spot would be in an area that receives morning sun and partial afternoon shade, particularly in regions with very hot summers. Avoid heavily shaded areas as this can lead to poor flowering and a greater susceptibility to fungal diseases.

Temperature

Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' prefers a temperate climate, thriving in temperatures between 55°F and 70°F. It can withstand a minimum temperature of about 50°F without damage and has a maximum tolerance near 80°F for optimal growth. As Sweet Peas are cool-season flowers, prolonged exposure to temperatures above this range can hinder flowering and may potentially damage the plant.

Pruning

Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period, and cut back the vines by a third, after a flush of blooms, to stimulate new growth. Prune early morning or late evening, and make clean cuts above a set of leaves. The best time for major pruning is midseason, after the first peak of flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A good soil mix might include garden soil, compost, and perlite. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth and flowering.

Repotting

Sweet Peas, like 'Daily Mail', are typically annuals and do not usually require repotting as they are sown directly into their flowering position and will complete their life cycle in one season.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Peas 'Daily Mail' prefer moderate humidity, but as outdoor plants, they are adaptable to the ambient conditions and do not require specific humidity control measures.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' in a well-lit spot; ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny area with support for climbing; protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Lathyrus odoratus 'Daily Mail', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail', starts its life when seeds are sown directly into the ground in spring or autumn. The seeds germinate and produce seedlings with a pair of simple leaves, which then develop into a climbing vine with compound leaves and tendrils that enable the plant to grasp onto support structures. As the plant matures, it produces stalks with fragrant, colorful flowers that typically bloom from late spring to the first frosts of autumn, depending on the local climate and growing conditions. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into seed pods that mature, dry out, and eventually crack open to release seeds. These seeds can be collected and stored for future planting or left to self-seed in the garden. The life cycle of Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' ends when the plant dies back after the growing season, usually with the onset of winter cold or when annual life span is completed.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: The Sweet Pea 'Daily Mail' is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late winter to early spring, ensuring that the soil has begun to warm up after the coldest months, usually between January and March. The popular method involves soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating, which can speed up germination. After soaking, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep into moist, well-drained soil in pots or trays and space them about 2 inches apart or plant several seeds in one pot. It’s important to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged, and the seeds should germinate within 7 to 15 days. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted into individual pots before eventually being moved outdoors when the risk of frost has passed.