Sweet pea 'Pinocchio' Lathyrus odoratus 'Pinocchio'

Water

Sweet peas require consistent moisture, especially when they are setting flowers and developing pods. It is best to water them with about one inch of water per week, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to increase the frequency of watering, possibly up to twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, use a drip irrigation system or water at the base of the plants. Be mindful not to over-water as sweet peas are sensitive to soggy soils, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Sweet peas thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant them in a location where they can receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Avoid overly shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. These plants can tolerate partial shade, but they will perform best and flower more abundantly with ample sunlight.

Temperature

Sweet peas prefer cool to moderate temperatures with ideal growing conditions between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but are not tolerant of prolonged frost. Maximum temperature for sustainable growth is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, after which sweet peas may struggle or stop flowering. For prolonged blooming, it's best to provide some protection from the midday heat in climates with warm summers.

Pruning

Prune sweet peas to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tip when the plant is about 4 to 6 inches tall to promote side shoot development. Throughout the season, regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. The best time for heavy pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet Peas require well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A soil mix consisting of equal parts compost, perlite, and topsoil could be ideal for promoting healthy growth and blooming.

Repotting

Sweet Peas do not generally require frequent repotting as they have a short lifespan. It's often not necessary unless they are grown as perennials in climates that allow for it, where repotting may occur every few years.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Peas prefer moderate humidity levels; however, they can tolerate a range of conditions. They do well outdoors where the humidity is naturally regulated.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure ample light and air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Provide full sun and support for climbing.

• Hardiness zone

  Sweet Peas are suitable for USDA zones 7-10.

Life cycle

Sweet pea 'Pinocchio' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in well-drained soil and exposed to spring temperatures, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. As it grows, it develops a climbing vine with stipules and tendrils, which enable it to anchor onto supports, and compound leaves that are vital for photosynthesis. Following vegetative growth, the plant reaches maturity and produces fragrant, colorful flowers, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of pods. These pods contain seeds that, once matured, are released or can be collected for the next planting. In temperate climates, sweet pea 'Pinocchio' completes its life cycle annually, dying back after seed production; in frost-free regions, it may continue to live as a perennial, depending on growing conditions. Its lifecycle may conclude naturally, or it may be cut short by harvesting or other external factors.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Lathyrus odoratus 'Pinocchio', commonly known as the sweet pea 'Pinocchio', is typically propagated through seed. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, depending on your climate zone, to allow for a long flowering period. To propagate, seeds should be nicked with a file or soaked in water for several hours to soften the hard outer coating, which can hasten germination. Sow seeds about 1 inch deep in a well-draining soil mix, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Once planted, the seeds usually germinate within 7 to 14 days when kept consistently moist and at a temperature around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 18 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can then be thinned or transplanted to their final growing positions once the risk of frost has passed and they have developed several sets of true leaves.