Dharaseeds
Sweet Pea Seeds - Royal Scarlet
Estimated delivery between February 10 and February 13.
Sweet Pea 'Royal Scarlet' is a striking variety known for its deep, rich red blooms that add a touch of elegance and vibrant color to any garden. This variety features large, ruffled flowers that are both visually stunning and highly fragrant, making them an excellent choice for adding a dramatic flair to garden beds, trellises, and containers. 'Royal Scarlet' brings a classic beauty to any space, with its bold scarlet flowers providing an eye-catching contrast to green foliage. Perfect for gardeners who want a show-stopping floral display.
Key Benefits
Rich Scarlet Color: Produces deep, vibrant red flowers that create a dramatic and elegant focal point in gardens.
Fragrant Blooms: The blooms have a sweet, classic scent that makes them perfect for cutting and enjoying in vases or bouquets.
Climbing Growth: Ideal for trellises, fences, and other vertical garden structures, providing height and dimension to garden designs.
Long Bloom Period: Blooms from late spring to early summer, offering several months of beautiful, fragrant flowers.
Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Large, ruffled scarlet flowers with a rich, vibrant hue. The plants have a strong, climbing growth habit, making them perfect for vertical gardening.
- Bloom Period: Blooms from late spring to early summer, typically from May to July.
- Growth Habit: Annual climbing plants that thrive with support such as trellises, stakes, or garden arches.
- Size: Grows to a height of 4–6 feet, with a spread of 12–18 inches.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- When to Plant: Sweet Pea 'Royal Scarlet' seeds should be planted in early spring, once the soil is workable. They can also be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date and then transplanted outdoors.
- Ideal Temperature: Sweet Peas thrive in cool temperatures between 55°F–70°F (13°C–21°C), which makes early spring planting ideal.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and healthy growth.
- Soil Requirements: Sweet Peas prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.0–7.5. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter for optimal growth.
- Sunlight: Sweet Peas need full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for the best flowering results.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, but ensure consistent moisture to support strong growth.
- Sweet Peas prefer soil that drains well to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
- Apply compost or well-rotted manure before planting to add essential nutrients to the soil.
- Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when plants are about 6 inches tall to encourage strong, healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Support and Pruning
- Provide vertical support such as a trellis, garden stakes, or wire frame to help 'Royal Scarlet' climb and grow upward.
- Pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and keep plants tidy.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch out for aphids, slugs, and snails. Organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage these pests.
- Diseases: Sweet Peas are susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure proper spacing, air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
Harvesting
- Flowering: Cut 'Royal Scarlet' flowers when they are fully open for the best appearance and scent. For a longer vase life, cut flowers early in the morning when they are most hydrated.
- Seed Harvest: If saving seeds, allow the pods to dry on the plant. Harvest and store the seeds in a cool, dry location for next season.
Storage
- Fresh Storage: Sweet Pea flowers can last up to a week in a vase with water.
- Seed Storage: After harvesting, store Sweet Pea seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for up to 2 years if stored correctly.
Culinary and Practical Uses
- Ornamental: 'Royal Scarlet' is an excellent ornamental plant for creating colorful, fragrant displays in gardens, trellises, or containers.
- Cut Flowers: The striking red flowers make 'Royal Scarlet' a popular choice for bouquets, floral arrangements, or decorative displays in the home.
- Companion Planting: Sweet Peas are beneficial for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, which helps support overall garden health and biodiversity.
Conclusion
Sweet Pea 'Royal Scarlet' brings an elegant and vibrant splash of color to your garden with its deep, rich red flowers and delightful fragrance. Ideal for vertical gardens, trellises, or containers, this variety will provide months of stunning blooms. Whether used in a cut flower arrangement or as a focal point in your garden, 'Royal Scarlet' is sure to add beauty and fragrance to any outdoor space.