Dharaseeds
Sweet Pea Seeds - Old Spice Mix
Estimated delivery between February 10 and February 13.
Sweet Pea 'Old Spice Mix' is a classic and fragrant variety that combines the beauty of vintage-style blooms with an array of rich, vibrant colors. This mix features a selection of bold, spicy hues, including deep reds, purples, and soft pastels, creating an elegant and fragrant floral display. Known for its intoxicating fragrance and stunning visual appeal, the 'Old Spice Mix' is perfect for gardeners looking to add timeless beauty and scent to their garden.
Key Benefits
Fragrant Blooms: Offers a sweet, spicy fragrance that will fill your garden with a nostalgic, old-fashioned aroma.
Bold, Rich Colors: Features a stunning range of deep reds, purples, pinks, and whites, creating a striking and colorful display.
Long-Lasting Blooms: Blooms from late spring through early summer, ensuring months of beauty and fragrance.
Attracts Pollinators: The fragrant flowers are sure to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Versatile Growth: Suitable for both small and large gardens, this mix can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or along trellises.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: A mix of richly colored flowers in shades of red, purple, pink, and white with a distinct spicy fragrance.
- Bloom Period: Blooms from late spring to early summer, typically from May to July.
- Growth Habit: A climbing variety that will need support, such as trellises or fences, to grow upward.
- Size: Reaches a height of 4–6 feet, with a spread of 12–18 inches, ideal for vertical floral displays.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- When to Plant: Start planting in early spring once the danger of frost has passed, or begin seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors after the last frost.
- Ideal Temperature: Sweet Peas thrive in cooler temperatures, between 55°F–70°F (13°C–21°C), so early spring is the ideal time to plant.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in fertile, well-draining soil.
- Spacing: Space seeds 6–8 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.0–7.5. Add compost to improve soil fertility.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun for at least 6 hours per day, although partial shade is suitable in hotter climates during the warmest parts of the day.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage strong root development and consistent growth.
- During dry spells, water regularly to ensure the plants remain healthy.
Fertilization
- Improve the soil by incorporating compost or organic matter before planting.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when plants are 6 inches tall to encourage strong growth and abundant flowers.
Support and Pruning
- Provide a trellis, fence, or similar support for the climbing vines to grow on.
- Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and remove spent blooms to extend the flowering period.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control such as neem oil or insecticidal soap when needed.
- Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting
- Flowering: Harvest flowers when they are fully open to enjoy their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance.
- Seed Harvest: Allow seed pods to mature and dry on the plant. Once dry, collect and store seeds in a cool, dry place for future planting.
Storage
- Fresh Storage: Sweet Pea flowers will last up to a week in a vase with fresh water, making them a wonderful cut flower.
- Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry, and airtight container for long-term storage. Sweet Pea seeds can remain viable for up to 2 years when stored correctly.
Culinary and Practical Uses
- Ornamental: Ideal for creating vertical floral displays in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets.
- Cut Flowers: The vibrant and fragrant blooms make excellent additions to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Companion Planting: Sweet Peas attract pollinators, making them a valuable addition to vegetable gardens or flower beds.
Conclusion
Sweet Pea 'Old Spice Mix' is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden. With its bold colors and spicy-sweet fragrance, it creates an elegant display that will delight both the eyes and the senses. Perfect for gardeners looking for a timeless and fragrant flower to climb over trellises or adorn garden beds, the 'Old Spice Mix' will surely become a favorite in your garden.