(L. odoratus) Mesmerizing, almost bicolor, pink blushed orange with dark veining that fades to an elegant salmon rose. We have an uncertain relationship with the color pink. Sometimes, it works in a bold way, and sometimes, it falls flat in a cloud of cotton candy and My-Little-Pony stickiness. Miss Willmott decidedly resides in the former camp. Released by perhaps the most famous sweet pea breeder of all time, Scottish horticulturist Henry Eckford, in 1900, Miss Willmott was once the most exhibited cultivar in England. Unlike the modern exhibition Spencer types, which have, to some extent, sacrificed scent for stem length, bloom size, and showiness, Miss Willmott harkens from an era when scent was central to sweet pea charms. This old-fashioned sweet pea is very, very productive and among the most fragrant available. 75 days. LS
Sow indoors in late Winter (6-7 weeks before the last frost).
Transplant or Direct Sow in early Spring. If direct sown, it is crucial to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Note: For uniform germination, we like to soak seeds overnight prior to sowing. Nick any seeds that do not swell, and then continue to rinse and drain (twice/day) until roots just start to appear.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/2"
SPACING:
6-8" in rows 5' apart.
EMERGENCE:
5-14 days @ soil temp 50-55F. Sweet peas do best in cool soil and temperatures. A lot of green growth occurs in the 30-55F range, and the plants can definitely handle temperatures down into the 20s! 70F is the optimal temperature for blooming. Sow early for early blooms, or we've found success planting in areas that will see some afternoon shade.
LIGHT:
Full sun to mostly full sun
FERTILITY:
Moderate-rich. Prefers rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Transplant gently to avoid root disturbance, and keep soil level at a similar height & evenly moist.
Stake or provide netting to keep them upright and tidy.
Although they will likely branch independently, to encourage branching, pinch at 6" tall to the third leaf node.
Deadhead to encourage blooms and discourage seed set.
Stiff cut stems, with 2 unopened buds, have a 4-5 day vase life.
