(L. odoratus) Wonderfully fragrant blooms boast elegant bright chocolate/burgundy flecking and picoteed edges on a creamy white background. A Spencer type with long cutting stems and deep fragrance, Wiltshire ripple was one of the first sweet peas I really fell hard for; discovered in a British garden magazine and then grown on our farm about 8 years ago, where it took our breath away. Since then, we have had an almost comedic string of way too many years of failures with sourcing and producing seed (mislabeled seeds one year from a company that generously replaced it the following year with... more mislabeled seeds, imported seeds seized and destroyed in US customs…). So, forgive us for feeling rather triumphant in offering it...After all that you are sure to love it too! 6-8' vines.
80 days. UO

Packet: 15 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors in late Winter (6-7 weeks before the last frost).

Transplant or Direct Sow in early Spring. If direct sown, it is crucial to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Note: For uniform germination, we like to soak seeds overnight prior to sowing. Nick any seeds that do not swell, and then continue to rinse and drain (twice/day) until roots just start to appear.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/2"

SPACING:

6-8" in rows 5' apart.

EMERGENCE:

5-14 days @ soil temp 50-55F.
Sweet peas do best in cool soil and temperatures.
A lot of green growth occurs in the 30-55F range, and the plants can definitely handle temperatures down into the 20s!
70F is the optimal temperature for blooming. Sow early for early blooms, or we've found success planting in areas that will see some afternoon shade.

LIGHT:

Full sun to mostly full sun

FERTILITY:

Moderate-rich. Prefers rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Transplant gently to avoid root disturbance, and keep soil level at a similar height & evenly moist.

Stake or provide netting to keep them upright and tidy.

Although they will likely branch independently, to encourage branching, pinch at 6" tall to the third leaf node.

Deadhead to encourage blooms and discourage seed set.

Stiff cut stems, with 2 unopened buds, have a 4-5 day vase life.

Sweet Pea, 'Wiltshire Ripple'