Everlasting Pea Seeds - Red

Everlasting Pea 'Red' is a striking perennial climber, prized for its vibrant crimson-red flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. Known for its hardy nature and long-lasting blooms, this variety adds a bold splash of color to vertical gardens, fences, and trellises. With its climbing habit and robust growth, 'Red' Everlasting Pea is ideal for creating dramatic, colorful displays in any garden setting.

Key Benefits

Brilliant Red Blooms: Produces vivid crimson flowers that brighten garden spaces and create a captivating visual impact.
Perennial Growth: Returns year after year, providing long-lasting beauty and reducing the need for replanting.
Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care, making it perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
Climbing Habit: Ideal for covering vertical structures like trellises, fences, or arbors, adding height and interest to the garden.
Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Climbing perennial with lush green foliage and vibrant red flowers.
• Bloom Period: Blooms from late spring to mid-summer, providing weeks of color.
• Growth Habit: A vigorous climber that thrives on vertical supports but can also be used as ground cover.
• Size: Grows to a height of 4–6 feet, with a spread of about 12–18 inches, making it perfect for vertical gardening.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• When to Plant: Plant seeds in early spring after the last frost, or start indoors 6–8 weeks before the final frost date.
• Ideal Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F–75°F (16°C–24°C), making spring the best time for planting.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 8–12 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers slightly alkaline, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Enrich with compost for better results.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure for at least 6 hours per day to thrive.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
• Provide 1 inch of water weekly, increasing during hot or dry weather.

Fertilization

• Incorporate organic compost or balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) into the soil before planting.
• Reapply fertilizer once plants establish and begin to grow vigorously for enhanced flowering.

Support and Pruning

• Install trellises, fences, or other vertical structures for the vines to climb.
• Prune spent blooms regularly to promote continued flowering and maintain a neat appearance.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Look out for aphids and slugs. Control pests naturally with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases: To prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

• Flowering: Harvest flowers when fully open for use in vibrant floral arrangements.
• Seed Collection: Allow seed pods to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting seeds for future planting.

Storage

• Fresh Storage: Flowers can last up to a week in a vase when kept in fresh water.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Properly stored seeds can remain viable for up to 2 years.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• Ornamental: Perfect for vertical displays, borders, and as ground cover in gardens.
• Cut Flowers: Adds a bold touch to floral arrangements with its striking red blooms.
• Companion Planting: Attracts pollinators, enhancing nearby plants' productivity.

Conclusion

Everlasting Pea 'Red' is an excellent addition to any garden, offering vibrant color, vertical interest, and minimal maintenance. Its striking crimson blooms and climbing habit make it ideal for decorating fences, trellises, or arbors, while its perennial nature ensures years of beauty. Whether you’re creating a stunning floral display or enhancing your pollinator-friendly garden, 'Red' Everlasting Pea will deliver bold beauty and reliable performance.