Sweet Pea Beaujolais

Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus

20 seeds
Lovely large blooms, the colour of fine wine, are produced on long, strong stems. Lightly scented, they are superb grown against trellis or as cut flowers.

Sow indoors for surest results, January-March or September-October, 1.5cm (½") deep, 5 seeds per 12cm (5") pot of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame, greenhouse or cool windowsill. A temperature of 15°C (60°F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 12-21 days. Pinch out the growing tip, when two pairs of leaves have formed, to encourage bushy growth. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into well-drained soil, March-May, 30cm (12") apart. Or, sow outdoors for ease, April-May, where they are to flower, 1.5cm (½") deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Sow 2 seeds together, every 30cm (12"). Remove weaker seedling, which can then be transplanted. Seeds sown in autumn generally flower earlier the following year. Flowers: May to October. Pick blooms regularly to prolong the flowering season.