Sweet pea 'Restormel' Lathyrus odoratus 'Restormel'

Water

Sweet peas prefer regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water them with about 1 gallon per plant per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, as they need more water in hot, dry conditions. Avoid overhead watering to reduce risk of disease; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day. During peak blooming season, you might need to water sweet peas even twice a week to support their fast growth and abundant flowering, but always check the soil moisture before watering.

Light

Sweet peas thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. They perform best when planted in a location that receives morning sun and is protected from intense afternoon heat, which can cause the flowers to fade more quickly. An east-facing garden bed where they receive sun from sunrise until early afternoon is ideal for sweet peas.

Temperature

Sweet peas prefer cool temperatures and will flourish best when daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 25°F for short periods, but are not frost-hardy and can be damaged by prolonged freezing conditions. Sweet peas begin to suffer once temperatures consistently exceed 70°F, so it’s ideal to grow them during cooler months in regions with mild winters or to start them early in spring in colder areas.

Pruning

Pruning sweet peas is important for encouraging more blooms and prolonging the flowering period. Pinch out the tips of the plants when they are about 4-6 inches tall to promote bushier growth. Continue to deadhead spent flowers regularly to prevent the plants from going to seed, as this signals the plant to stop producing new blooms. The best time for pruning sweet peas is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins in earnest.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet peas prefer well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure, maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal for growing Lathyrus odoratus 'Restormel'.

Repotting

Sweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Restormel', don't need frequent repotting. They are often sown annually, so repotting isn't typically necessary unless you're starting seeds indoors before transferring them outside.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Restormel' thrive in moderate humidity but do not have specific humidity requirements. They can easily adapt to the average outdoor humidity levels where they are grown.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure good light, support for climbing, and cool indoor temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Choose sunny spot, rich soil, provide support for climbing.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Sweet pea 'Restormel' begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in cool, moist soil, preferably in early spring. Following germination, the seedlings develop a prominent root system and shoots that rapidly grow into climbing stems with compound leaves and tendrils. As the plant matures, it develops distinctive, fragrant flowers commonly during the late spring or early summer months. After pollination, often by bees attracted to the colorful and scented flowers, the plant forms seed pods which mature over the summer. Once the pods are ripe and dry, they burst open to disperse seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During the fall or with the onset of colder weather, the annual sweet pea plant will die, with the seeds overwintering to start a new generation the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• Propogation: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Restormel', is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, allowing for a longer growing period and a head start before the summer heat. To propagate Sweet Pea 'Restormel' by seed, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating. After soaking, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil, space them at least 2 inches apart, and provide support for climbing as they grow. Sweet Peas prefer a sunny spot with some protection from strong winds. Germination usually occurs within 10-14 days, provided the soil temperature is maintained around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit (12-18 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have established, thin them out to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to a reduction in flowering.