Sweet pea 'Happy Birthday' Lathyrus odoratus 'Happy Birthday'

Water

Sweet Pea 'Happy Birthday' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly moistened. During hot spells or periods of drought, you may need to water it more frequently to maintain moisture levels, possibly two to three times a week. Aim to provide between 0.5 to 1 gallon of water for each watering session depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. It is important to water at the base and not over the foliage to prevent disease. Make sure that the plant has well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging which can lead to root rot.

Light

Sweet Pea 'Happy Birthday' thrives in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for your Sweet Pea would be in a sunny border or against a south-facing wall where it can enjoy the sun's rays. Though it can tolerate some light shading, the blooms will be more abundant and vibrant when the plant gets enough sun.

Temperature

Sweet Peas, including the 'Happy Birthday' variety, prefer cooler temperatures and do best when daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F. They can survive short periods outside this range but will not thrive if temperatures regularly exceed 80°F or drop below 50°F. To prolong flowering, try to provide these plants with a location that offers partial shade during the hottest part of the day to protect them from extreme summer heat.

Pruning

Pruning your Sweet Pea 'Happy Birthday' involves deadheading spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming and to maintain the plant's appearance. Prune in the early morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler. Once the flowering begins to wane, usually in late summer, you can cut back the foliage more significantly to tidy up the plant. Pruning is also a good time to check for and remove any diseased or damaged growth to keep the plant healthy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet Pea 'Happy Birthday' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A good soil mix can be made by combining garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will support healthy growth and flowering.

Repotting

Sweet Peas generally do not require frequent repotting as they are annual plants. They are typically sown directly into the garden or outdoor containers where they will grow for the season. If started indoors, transplant them outside after the danger of frost has passed.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Pea 'Happy Birthday' is not particularly humidity-sensitive and can adapt to a wide range of humidity levels. Normal outdoor humidity is suitable, and no special humidity adjustments are necessary for this plant when grown outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and amble air flow for indoors.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, cool roots, and train on support for outdoor growth.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Sweet pea 'Happy Birthday' begins its life as a hard-coated seed, often requiring scarification to encourage germination. After planting in fertile, well-draining soil, the seed germinates, usually within 10 to 21 days, and develops into a seedling with a pair of true leaves. As it grows, the plant becomes a bushy vine, typically requiring support, and starts developing compound leaves with tendrils that grasp onto structures or other plants for support. The sweet pea enters a rapid vegetative growth stage, where it produces long stems and abundant foliage. Following this, it enters the flowering stage, where colorful, fragrant blossoms appear, which are the primary ornamental feature of the plant. After pollination, flowers develop into seed pods, and once mature, the plant completes its cycle by releasing seeds for the next generation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Happy Birthday', is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is in late fall for mild winter regions or in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Early sowing is beneficial as it allows a longer period for the root system to establish, resulting in robust plant growth. To propagate by seed, first prepare a well-draining soil mix. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating, which encourages germination. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and seedlings should emerge in 10 to 21 days, depending on the soil temperature. Transplant the seedlings to their final position once the danger of frost has passed, taking care not to disturb the roots too much.