Sweet pea 'Mrs Bernard Jones Lathyrus odoratus 'Mrs Bernard Jones'

Water

Sweet peas should be watered deeply about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. However, during periods of drought or extreme heat, they may require water more frequently. Provide the sweet peas with about one inch of water at each session, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square foot. Take care to water the soil directly, avoiding wetting the foliage, to reduce the risk of disease. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and check the soil moisture regularly.

Light

Sweet peas thrive best in full sunlight, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. They should be planted in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds but still receives ample sunlight. Avoid placing sweet peas in areas with heavy shade, as this can impede their growth and flowering.

Temperature

Sweet peas prefer cooler temperatures and thrive in conditions between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging, and temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may cause the plant to stop flowering. For optimal growth, ensure that sweet peas are planted in an area where they can enjoy the cooler temperatures of early spring and fall.

Pruning

Pruning sweet peas promotes bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the tips after plants have developed two to three pairs of leaves to encourage branching. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly to stimulate new blooms. The best time for pruning to shape the plants is in the early stages of growth, before flowering begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet peas prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. A best soil mix for sweet peas would be a combination of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part coarse sand to improve drainage. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Sweet peas are typically sown directly where they are to flower and do not require repotting. However, if grown in pots, they should be repotted only if the container is too small to accommodate the root growth, which is generally not often because they are annuals.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet peas flourish in moderate humidity levels; they do not cope well with extreme dryness or excessive moisture in the air. The best humidity range for sweet peas is around 40-60%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide full sun, cool temps, moderate humidity, and support for climbing.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, cool area with supports to climb; water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Sweet pea 'Mrs Bernard Jones' begins its life cycle as a seed, often planted in late winter or early spring after a period of soaking or chipping to aid germination. After germination, the seedling will emerge, usually within 10 to 21 days, and begin to develop its first true leaves and a vining stem. As it matures, the plant develops a robust root system and climbs using tendrils, requiring support such as a trellis. Throughout the spring and early summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing abundant, fragrant pink flowers ideal for cutting. Once pollination occurs, the plant will set seed pods that mature, slowly causing the plant to diminish its flowering as resources go towards seed development. At the end of its growing season, usually late summer or early fall, the plant can be cut back and the mature seeds collected for the next planting, or it will die back if left to overwinter, completing its annual life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The sweet pea, specifically the variety 'Mrs Bernard Jones', is typically propagated through seeds. The ideal time for sowing sweet pea seeds is in late winter to early spring, as they require cool temperatures to germinate effectively. To propagate, seeds are first nicked with a file or soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell, enhancing germination rates. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Provide support for the climbing vines early on. Germination occurs in 10-21 days, after which seedlings will grow rapidly, especially with cooler nights and ample sunlight during the day. It's important to maintain moist soil during germination and the initial growth period.