Sweet pea 'George Priestley' Lathyrus odoratus 'George Priestley'

Water

Sweet Pea needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per square foot, which allows moisture to reach the deeper roots. During hotter weeks, you may need to increase watering to twice a week to maintain evenly moist soil. Avoid overhead watering to prevent water from settling on the foliage and potentially causing fungal diseases. Instead, apply water directly at the base of the plant, and ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Light

Sweet Peas prefer a location with full sunlight, thriving with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for them is an area that receives morning light and some partial shade in the afternoon to protect them from the intense heat. They can tolerate light shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming and vigor.

Temperature

Sweet Peas enjoy cool temperatures and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40°F, though frost can be damaging. The maximum temperature for optimal growth is about 75°F; higher temperatures, especially at night, can impede flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Sweet Peas encourages more blooms and bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prevent the plant from going to seed, which can reduce flowering. The best time for pruning is when the plant is young; pinch out growing tips after the plant has developed several sets of leaves to promote branching. Light pruning can be done throughout the blooming season to keep plants tidy and promote continued flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet Pea 'George Priestley' thrives best in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage is ideal for this plant. Ensuring the soil is fertile and loamy will promote lush growth and abundant flowering.

Repotting

Sweet Peas, including the 'George Priestley' variety, are typically grown as annuals and do not usually require repotting. Plant them directly in the garden or in a container where they will live out their lifespan.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Pea 'George Priestley' prefers moderate humidity conditions. They do not require particularly high humidity levels; average room humidity should suffice, as long as the soil moisture is well-managed and there is good air circulation.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in well-lit area, fertile soil, water regularly, stake for support.

• Outdoor

  Ensure full sun, rich soil, ample water, stake vines, protect from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Sweet pea 'George Priestley' begins its life as a seed, planted in well-drained soil, typically in early spring or late winter. Upon germination, the plant emerges as a seedling, displaying its first leaves. As it progresses into the vegetative stage, it develops a robust stem and a network of leaves, and soon begins to climb, requiring support due to its vining nature. Entering the flowering stage, it produces fragrant, ornate flowers often in shades of lavender to violet, which is the most recognizable feature of the plant. Following pollination, these flowers develop into seed pods, which mature and eventually release seeds, thus completing the plant's reproductive cycle. During its annual life cycle, after setting seed, the plant withers and dies, as sweet peas are typically grown as annuals.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Propogation: The Lathyrus odoratus 'George Priestley', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'George Priestley', is typically propagated by seeds. The best time to sow them is either in late winter or early spring to allow a period of cold to break dormancy and promote germination. To propagate by seed, it’s recommended to first nick the hard seed coat with a file or to soak the seeds in water for several hours to overnight to soften the seed coat. After preparing the seeds, plant them about an inch deep (2.5 cm) in well-draining soil in pots or directly into the garden. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes 7-21 days. Transplant the seedlings to their final location once the danger of frost has passed and they have developed a set of true leaves. This ensures a summer of fragrant blooms.