Sweet pea 'Joan Elizabeth Child' Lathyrus odoratus 'Joan Elizabeth Child'

Water

Sweet peas, including the variety 'Joan Elizabeth Child', should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water which translates to about half a gallon per square foot. It is crucial to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. In hotter climates or during particularly hot and dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Always water at the base of the plant, keeping the foliage dry to prevent disease.

Light

Sweet peas, like 'Joan Elizabeth Child', thrive in full sunlight, which means they need at least six hours of direct sun daily. An east or west-facing spot that receives morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. However, in extremely hot climates, they benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from scorching temperatures.

Temperature

Sweet peas, such as 'Joan Elizabeth Child', prefer cooler climates with temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to the low 40s but typically will not survive in conditions above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. The ideal temperature range encourages robust growth and prolific flowering.

Pruning

Pruning sweet peas such as 'Joan Elizabeth Child' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. It's best to pinch out the growing tip after the plant has developed 3-4 pairs of true leaves to promote side shoots. Regular deadheading or cutting of spent flowers will also encourage new blooms. Pruning should be done throughout the blooming season to maintain vigor and appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet peas, such as 'Joan Elizabeth Child,' thrive in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of loamy soil, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to improve drainage and aeration. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, around 7.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Sweet peas are typically sown yearly, and thus repotting isn't common. However, if started in pots, they may require transplanting once before moving outdoors. Repotting should occur after the seedlings establish but before they become root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet peas prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate the average humidity found in many outdoor environments as long as they're well-watered and the soil does not dry out completely.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, support for climbing, and cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, provide support for vines, and maintain moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the sweet pea 'Joan Elizabeth Child' begins with seed germination, which occurs in early spring after a period of stratification or soaking to soften the seed coat. From germination, the plant rapidly develops into a seedling, characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves after the initial cotyledons. It progresses to the vegetative stage where the plant focuses on photosynthesis and root development, rapidly growing vines and foliage. During the flowering stage, sweet peas develop distinctive fragrant flowers, usually starting from late spring to summer, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the plant produces pods containing seeds, entering the fruiting stage where seeds mature and the plant begins to senesce. Eventually, as the plant completes its annual cycle, it dies back after seed drop, though seeds may remain dormant until the next suitable growth period.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• Propogation: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as sweet pea, is typically propagated through seeds. The best time to sow sweet pea 'Joan Elizabeth Child' seeds is in late winter to early spring, aiming for a time frame about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date for your area. To propagate, you should soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell and improve the germination rate. Then, plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in a well-draining soil mix in either pots or directly in the garden bed. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of approximately 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) for optimal germination. Once the seedlings have developed their first true set of leaves, they can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and transplanted.