Sweet pea 'Teresa Maureen' Lathyrus odoratus 'Teresa Maureen'

Water

The Sweet Pea 'Teresa Maureen' requires consistent moisture, so it should be watered deeply approximately once a week, providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of about 1 inch. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering; if it's dry to the touch, it's time to water. It's best to water the plant early in the morning at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Overhead watering should be avoided to keep the leaves and flowers dry.

Light

Sweet Pea 'Teresa Maureen' grows best in full sunlight, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. They prefer a spot that's sunny with a little bit of afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid placing them in deep shade, as this will result in leggy plants and few flowers.

Temperature

Sweet Pea 'Teresa Maureen' thrives in cooler conditions and prefers a temperature range between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal conditions for this plant are cool nights and mild daytime temperatures.

Pruning

Prune Sweet Pea 'Teresa Maureen' to promote bushiness and prevent legginess by pinching out the tips of young plants. Pruning is also important for removing spent flowers regularly, which encourages more blooms. The best time for pruning is when the plants are young and have formed several sets of leaves, usually about 4 to 6 inches tall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet peas prefer a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite will create an ideal environment for 'Teresa Maureen.' Adding organic matter such as well-rotted manure will help to maintain the nutrient levels in the soil.

Repotting

Sweet peas, such as 'Teresa Maureen,' do not usually require repotting as they are annual plants. However, if started indoors, transplant them outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet peas like 'Teresa Maureen' prefer moderate humidity levels, typically between 40% to 60%. They thrive in outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, support for climbing, and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, rich moist soil, support for climbing.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

The sweet pea 'Teresa Maureen' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in cool, moist soil in early spring. Following germination, the seedling develops a root system and a pair of true leaves, initiating the vegetative growth stage where it focuses on leaf and stem development. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, producing fragrant and colorful flowers which are the result of successful pollination, often involving insects. After pollination, the sweet pea develops seed pods during the reproductive stage, which mature and eventually dry out on the plant. Seeds are released from the pods when they crack open, completing the cycle. These seeds can be collected for planting the next season, or they may fall to the ground and self-sow, beginning the life cycle again if conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the sweet pea, specifically the 'Teresa Maureen' variety, is by sowing seeds. Optimal propagation time is often in late winter or early spring, allowing for a period of cold stratification which can enhance germination rates. To propagate by seed, seeds should be sown about 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil, spaced about 2-3 inches apart. Prior to sowing, seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the tough outer shell, which can further aid in germination. Once sown, the area should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and seeds typically germinate within 10-21 days at temperatures around 55-65°F (13-18°C). After seedlings have sprouted and developed their first set of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing location.