Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Misty Mountain'

Water

Sweet peas require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's important to water deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant, depending on weather conditions. During periods of high heat or low rainfall, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring that the top inch of soil doesn't dry out between watering sessions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant.

Light

Sweet peas thrive in a location with full sun exposure, where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. Place them in a bright, sunny spot in your garden where they will receive ample morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, if possible.

Temperature

Sweet peas prefer cooler temperatures and will thrive when daytime temperatures are between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand a few degrees of frost and can survive minimum temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they will not do well in extended periods of high temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as heat can cause them to stop flowering.

Pruning

Pruning sweet peas is important for encouraging vigorous growth and abundant blooming. Pinch out the growing tips when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall to promote branching. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to prevent the plant from going to seed, which will keep it blooming for a longer period. The best time for more extensive pruning is during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet Peas thrive in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Best soil mix can be composed of loam, compost, and well-rotted manure to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Make sure the soil is loose and fertile.

Repotting

Sweet Peas, being annuals, do not typically require repotting. They are sown directly where they are to flower and do not survive well beyond one growing season, so repotting is not applicable.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Peas prefer moderate humidity levels, avoiding excessively dry conditions. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% for optimal growth, though they are quite adaptable to outdoor ambient humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in sunny spot, support climbing, ensure ample airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny area, provide support for climbing, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA.

Life cycle

Sweet pea 'Misty Mountain' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and given appropriate moisture, will germinate usually within 1-3 weeks, depending on conditions. After germination, seedlings develop a pair of true leaves and continue to grow, developing multiple leaf nodes and tendrils that help the plant climb. The vegetative stage is characterized by rapid stem and leaf growth, preparing the plant for flowering. Flowering occurs in late spring to summer, where the plant produces fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, vital for the plant's reproductive stage. Following pollination, the plant forms seed pods which mature, dry, and eventually release seeds for the next generation. Sweet pea plants are annuals, completing their life cycle within one growing season, after which the plant dies, having hopefully left behind seeds for future growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Misty Mountain' is sweet pea, and the most popular method of propagating this charming and fragrant flower is through sowing seeds. The ideal time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, when the soil can be worked and there's no risk of a hard frost that might damage the seedlings. To propagate, begin by nicking the hard outer shell of the seeds with a file or soaking them in water overnight to soften them, which helps to speed up germination. Then, plant the seeds about an inch deep (2.54 cm) in pots or the ground and space them about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) apart to give them room to grow. Make sure they are in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days, and the vines will start to grow rapidly, requiring a trellis or support to cling to as they climb.