Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Madison'

Water

Sweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Madison', should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth; this often means providing about 1 gallon of water per week, depending on your climate and soil drainage. During the growing season, check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In hot or windy weather, they may need more frequent watering. In cooler weather or if rainfall is adequate, reduce watering. Be careful not to overwater, as sweet peas are susceptible to root rot if the soil stays too wet.

Light

Sweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Madison' require full sun to bloom well, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot is one that gets morning sunlight and some protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Avoid planting in full shade as it will reduce flowering and can make the plant more susceptible to disease.

Temperature

Sweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Madison', thrive in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F for short periods and a maximum temperature of around 75°F, but prolonged exposure to heat will reduce flowering and may harm the plant. Sweet peas prefer cooler weather and often decline as summer temperatures rise.

Pruning

Sweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Madison', should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Deadhead regularly by removing spent flowers before they form seed pods to promote continuous blooming. Lightly prune or pinch out the growing tips when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall to encourage side shoots. The best time for pruning is throughout the blooming period, from when the plant is young until it begins to decline in the heat.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet pea 'Madison' prefers well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The best soil mix can include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite. Adjust the soil pH to be slightly alkaline with a range between 7.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Sweet pea 'Madison' is an annual plant and typically does not require repotting as it completes its life cycle within one season. Plant seeds or seedlings directly into the garden each year.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet pea 'Madison' tolerates a wide range of humidity conditions but thrives best in moderate humidity. It is adaptable and does not require specific humidity adjustments in the garden.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a sunny spot; ensure good air circulation for sweet pea 'Madison'.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny location with support for climbing sweet pea 'Madison'.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Sweet Pea 'Madison' begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring when sown directly into well-draining soil with adequate sunlight. Following germination, seedlings emerge and enter the vegetative growth stage, developing a robust root system, climbing stems, and compound leaves. As the weather warms and daylight increases, the plant transitions into the flowering stage, producing fragrant, colorful blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers transform into pods containing seeds, marking the reproductive stage. These seed pods mature, eventually drying and releasing seeds, thereby completing the cycle. Sweet Pea 'Madison' is typically grown as an annual, with its life cycle concluding by the first frost when the plant dies, although seeds can be collected for propagation in the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Sweet Pea 'Madison' is by sowing seeds. The best time to start seed propagation is in late winter or early spring. To maximize germination, seeds can be nicked with a knife or soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep (2.54 cm) in well-draining soil and space them roughly 2 to 3 inches apart (5 to 7.6 cm). Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings usually appear within 10 to 28 days, and it's important to provide support for the climbing stems as soon as growth is evident. Transplant the seedlings to their final growing positions once they are large enough to handle and after the danger of frost has passed.