Sweet pea 'Solway Snowflake' Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Snowflake'

Water

For the Sweet Pea 'Solway Snowflake', ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged by watering deeply once a week. In the heat of the summer, this may increase to twice a week. Use about 1 gallon of water each time to thoroughly soak the root zone. Reduce watering frequency during cooler weather or if rainfall provides sufficient moisture. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Light

The Sweet Pea 'Solway Snowflake' thrives in a spot with full sun exposure. Place the plant where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in climates with very hot afternoons, but too much shade can reduce blooming and lead to weak stems.

Temperature

Sweet Pea 'Solway Snowflake' grows best in cool to moderate temperature conditions, ideally between 55°F and 68°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F but should be protected from hard frosts. During hot summers when temperatures soar above 80°F, the plant may experience stress and require additional care to thrive.

Pruning

Sweet Pea 'Solway Snowflake' benefits from regular pruning to encourage more blooms and to maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent flowers frequently to prolong the blooming period. The best time for significant pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as necessary.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet pea 'Solway Snowflake' thrives best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix might include equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage. Incorporating organic matter like aged manure or compost will improve soil fertility and structure, promoting healthier growth.

Repotting

Sweet pea 'Solway Snowflake' is generally grown as an annual and therefore does not require repotting. Instead, they are sown directly into the ground or in containers where they will live out their life cycle without the need for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet pea 'Solway Snowflake' prefers moderate ambient humidity but is adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors. It does not require special humidity considerations when grown in garden settings.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool air, and support for climbing.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, protect from wind, offer support to climb.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Snowflake', commonly known as sweet pea 'Solway Snowflake', starts its life cycle when seeds are sown into soil, typically in late winter or early spring. They germinate, developing roots and shoots that push through the soil surface, growing into seedlings. As the plant matures, it develops a climbing habit, requiring support to grow upwards and reach for sunlight. Leaves grow alternately along the stem, providing energy through photosynthesis, while tendrils emerge to grasp onto structures for support. By late spring or early summer, the plant produces fragrant, white, butterfly-shaped flowers which, if pollinated by insects, develop into seed pods. After flowering, the pods ripen, eventually releasing seeds and completing the cycle as the plant senesces or is affected by the first frosts.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Sweet Pea 'Solway Snowflake' is most commonly propagated by seed, typically sown in late winter or early spring. To ensure success, seeds can be softened by chipping the seed coat or soaking in warm water for a few hours to overnight before sowing. Once prepared, seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil, spaced about 2-3 inches apart. Seedlings should emerge in 10-21 days, depending on the conditions. Once they have a few sets of true leaves, seedlings can be hardened off and transplanted outside after the last frost date, making sure to provide ample support for climbing as they grow.