Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Dave Thomas'

Water

Sweet Pea 'Dave Thomas' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growth period in spring and summer, water usage may increase, and the plants may need water two to three times a week, especially in hot, dry conditions. Typically, a mature Sweet Pea in the ground will require about 1 gallon of water per week. In container gardening, water until you see it run out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the root system gets adequate moisture.

Light

The Sweet Pea 'Dave Thomas' thrives best in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot is an east-facing location where the plant can enjoy the morning sun, which is less intense, while avoiding the scorching heat of the late afternoon sun. Adequate light is crucial for the flowering and overall health of the plant.

Temperature

Sweet Pea 'Dave Thomas' prefers cooler temperatures, and while it can endure a wide range of conditions, it performs best when daytime temperatures are around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive a light frost and can generally tolerate temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives less in temperatures that exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider providing some shade or planting it in cooler microclimates if the summer heat is intense.

Pruning

Pruning Sweet Pea 'Dave Thomas' encourages more blooms and a bushier growth habit. Pinch off the tips of the plant when it's about 4 to 6 inches high to promote branching. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is also recommended to prevent the plant from going to seed and to stimulate new flowers. The best time to prune is throughout the blooming season, whenever the plant looks untidy or after a flush of flowers have faded.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet pea 'Dave Thomas' grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. A mixture that consists of compost, loamy soil, and sharp sand can provide the drainage and nutrients it needs. Amend soil with organic matter to improve fertility. The ideal soil pH for sweet peas is between 6.0 and 7.5. Regular feeding with a high-potash fertilizer is beneficial once flowering begins.

Repotting

Sweet peas typically don't require repotting as they are annuals and will complete their lifecycle in one season. Plant directly in the garden or start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots that can be planted whole to avoid disturbing roots.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet peas 'Dave Thomas' prefer moderate humidity levels. Avoid overly humid conditions as these can promote fungal diseases. Providing good air circulation around the plants will help maintain the appropriate humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow sweet peas near a sunny window and support with a small trellis.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil with access to full sun or partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Lathyrus odoratus 'Dave Thomas', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Dave Thomas', begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in cool, moist soil conditions, often in spring. Upon germination, it develops a root system and a shoot that grows into a climbing or trailing vine with leaves and tendrils. The plant enters the vegetative stage, where it rapidly grows and produces more foliage. It then progresses to the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, during which it produces fragrant flowers that are usually attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, and once mature, the pods release seeds. The plant may die back at the end of the growing season, especially in colder climates, where it is treated as an annual, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Sweet pea 'Dave Thomas,' like other varieties of Lathyrus odoratus, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is either in late fall or early spring. In regions with mild winters, sowing in autumn allows for the development of strong root systems, resulting in more vigorous growth in spring. Alternatively, sowing in early spring after the last frost has passed will also lead to successful plant growth. One of the popular methods for starting sweet pea seeds involves soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to sowing to soften the hard outer coating. After soaking, the seeds are sown at a depth of about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in well-draining soil. Germination generally occurs within 10 to 28 days depending on the temperature and growing conditions. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they are often pinched back to encourage bushy growth. Sweet peas need support to climb, so it's important to provide trellises or other structures for them to grow on as they develop.