Sweet Pea Seeds - Promise

Sweet Pea 'Promise' is a lovely and vibrant variety known for its large, beautifully ruffled blooms in shades of soft pink and lavender. This heirloom variety is not only prized for its charming appearance but also for its delightful, sweet fragrance that fills the garden. 'Promise' Sweet Peas are perfect for trellises, fences, and arbors, adding vertical color and fragrance to your garden design. With its long bloom period and vigorous growth, it’s a favorite for gardeners who appreciate both beauty and scent in their outdoor spaces.

Key Benefits

Fragrant Blooms: Known for its strong, sweet fragrance, 'Promise' will fill your garden with a lovely scent, making it a sensory delight.
Large, Ruffled Flowers: The blooms are large, with soft pink and lavender shades and ruffled petals that create a dramatic visual appeal.
Long Bloom Period: Blooms from late spring to early summer, ensuring your garden is filled with color for an extended period.
Attracts Pollinators: The fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate the rest of your garden.
Climbing Habit: Ideal for vertical gardening, trellises, and fences, it adds height and interest to your garden design.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: 'Promise' features large, ruffled blooms in a soft pink and lavender mix with a gentle fragrance.
• Bloom Period: Blooms from late spring to early summer, usually between May and July.
• Growth Habit: A climbing variety that benefits from vertical support, perfect for trellises, fences, or garden arches.
• Size: Reaches a height of 4–6 feet with a spread of 12–18 inches, making it a perfect addition to any garden needing height and color.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• When to Plant: Plant Sweet Pea 'Promise' in early spring, after the last frost. For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, then transplant once the soil warms.
• Ideal Temperature: Sweet Peas thrive in cooler weather, with an ideal temperature range of 55°F–70°F (13°C–21°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow and growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.0–7.5. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter for optimal results.
• Sunlight: Needs full sun for at least 6 hours a day. In hotter climates, partial shade can help prevent heat stress during the peak summer months.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to ensure strong root growth and avoid root rot.
• During dry periods, water regularly, especially when the plants are establishing.

Fertilization

• Enrich the soil before planting with compost or well-rotted manure.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when the plants reach 6 inches tall to support healthy growth and vibrant flowers.

Support and Pruning

• Sweet Peas are climbing plants, so provide vertical support such as a trellis, fence, or arbor.
• Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap to address any infestations.
• Diseases: Prevent fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, by ensuring good air circulation and spacing plants properly. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

Harvesting

• Flowering: Harvest Sweet Pea flowers when they are fully open to enjoy their beauty and fragrance in floral arrangements.
• Seed Harvest: Allow seed pods to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting. Store seeds in a cool, dry place for future planting.

Storage

• Fresh Storage: Sweet Pea flowers can last up to a week in a vase with water.
• Seed Storage: Store Sweet Pea seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. Sweet Pea seeds can remain viable for up to 2 years when stored properly.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• Ornamental: Sweet Pea 'Promise' is perfect for vertical gardening, adding color and fragrance to fences, trellises, and arbors.
• Cut Flowers: The large, ruffled blooms make an excellent choice for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
• Companion Planting: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any garden, especially for vegetable or fruit gardens.

Conclusion

Sweet Pea 'Promise' is a striking variety known for its beautiful, ruffled pink and lavender blooms and its fragrant aroma. Whether used to enhance vertical gardens, fences, or as cut flowers, 'Promise' adds an elegant touch to any garden. With its long bloom period, sweet fragrance, and ease of care, it's a must-have for any garden enthusiast looking to add both beauty and scent to their outdoor space.