Lathyrus -- Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea often produces fragrant flowers but not always. The plants like cool temperatures so may suffer during hot, dry summer weather. The plants need regular waterings in summer for best growth. Remove old blossoms as they fade to keep the plant flowering. Dwarf varieties may be used where space is limited. The plants are a good source of cut flowers. The largest blooms form on plants with only one or two stems. Tie each stem to a support and remove tendrils and side shoots. Sweet Pea prefers a cool, moist, well drained soil rich in humus.

The seed germinates in two weeks at 55 degrees and soaking may hasten germination. Plant the seed planted two inches deep and thin to six inches apart when the plants are three to four inches high.

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