Botanical Interests Sweet Pea Starry Night Seeds

Annual. Blooms in spring. Full sun. 5’ - 6’ vines. ’1” - 2” flowers in violet-blue, midnight, crimson, and cream. ’Starry Night’ is an artistic blend of heirloom Old Spice Sweet Peas that are highly scented and heat resistant. The dark shades and cream accents evoke the look of a clear summer night with a crimson red added in for an extra visual punch. A good choice for areas where the summer heat arrives early - they will continue to bloom as the temperature rises. Also a nice choice if you are sowing your Sweet Peas a little later in the spring. Plant on a trellis or fence in a high traffic area to enjoy their wonderful scent. Bloom time is generally from 3 to 5 weeks. Removing all spent stalks and blooms immediately after they are done blooming will prolong the bloom period further into summer. Before planting, prepare your sight well. Choose a sunny, cool spot away from winds and heat-absorbing materials like brick and stone. A 1’ - 2’ deep bed that has been amended with compost or peat is ideal with the pH ranging from alkaline to neutral. Sweet Peas have a long history. The first known variety was discovered in a Sicilian monastery by Father Franciscus Cupani in 1695. In the mid 19th century, many new varieties were bred. Their popularity rose to a frenzy in the late 1800’s when Spencer Sweet Peas were all the rage, especially in England where the climate was perfect for them. In recent times, varieties have been bred that are more suited to the variances of the U.S. climate. See Gardening Notes & Tips for more information on growing Sweet Peas. OUTDOORS: In cold climates, (for first year bloom) sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. This means St. Patrick’s Day or earlier. In warm climates, sow in October through January for spring bloom. INSIDE: Sow 4-6 weeks before planting outside (see above). SPECIAL GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS: Seed requires scarification, a process that helps to break the hard seed coat. Soak in water for 24 hours before planting or roll on sandpaper to slightly nick the outer surface.