Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Virgo'

Water

Sweet Pea 'Virgo' should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water deeply every week with about 1 gallon of water per plant, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During the peak of summer or in particularly hot, dry climates, you may need to water twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. It's important not to let the soil dry out entirely, as Sweet Pea plants are not drought-tolerant.

Light

Sweet Pea 'Virgo' thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting would be in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight through most of the day. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, some afternoon shade will help protect the plants from intense heat.

Temperature

Sweet Pea 'Virgo' prefers to grow in cooler temperatures, thriving in conditions that range between 50°F and 70°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 20°F but will not survive if the temperature dips below this point. The optimal temperature range allows for vigorous growth and prolific blooming, while temperatures above 80°F may hinder flower production and overall plant vitality.

Pruning

Pruning Sweet Pea 'Virgo' encourages more blooms and a bushier growth habit. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prevent the plant from going to seed, which can reduce flowering. Prune back overgrown or leggy stems to maintain the plant's shape, ideally after a flush of blooms. The best time for heavy pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet peas prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. For best results, create a soil mix composed of two parts loam or garden soil, one part well-rotted organic compost or manure, and a liberal amount of perlite for drainage. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support their growth and flowering.

Repotting

Sweet peas, being annuals, do not typically require repotting. They are sown directly where they are to flower, as they do not respond well to transplanting due to their delicate root system. Succession sowing every 2 to 4 weeks can ensure a longer flowering period.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet peas thrive best in environments with moderate humidity levels. They do well outdoors where the humidity is naturally regulated by the environment. However, they should be protected from excessive moisture to prevent fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temperature, and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, cool soil, ensure support for climbing.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Sweet pea 'Virgo' starts its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and given adequate warmth, will germinate. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves after the initial sprouting of the cotyledons. As it enters the vegetative growth phase, the plant develops a robust stem and a plentiful amount of foliage, often requiring support as it is a climbing variety. During the flowering stage, 'Virgo' produces fragrant, white blossoms that are popular among gardeners for their ornamental value. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed pods in the reproductive phase, with each pod containing several seeds. The plant then completes its life cycle as it reaches senescence, the final stage where the plant's metabolic activities wind down, and it dies, having potentially sown seeds for future generations.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Virgo' is Sweet Pea 'Virgo', and the most popular method of propagation for this plant is by sowing seeds. The optimal time for sowing Sweet Pea 'Virgo' seeds is in late winter or early spring to take advantage of the cool growing season that these flowers prefer. To propagate by seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell, which can enhance germination rates. After soaking, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep (approximately 2.54 centimeters) in well-draining soil, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart (about 5 to 7.6 centimeters). Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes 10 to 21 days. Once seedlings have emerged and grown sufficiently, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing location. It's important to provide support for the climbing vines as they grow.