Sweet Pea Cupani - Mr. Fothergill's Seeds

Lathyrus odoratus

• Annual
• Full sun
• The oldest recorded sweet pea variety
• Slightly smaller flowered but very fragrant

The oldest. Introduced here by Franciscan Brother Cupani in 1699, beautiful and fragrant small flowers, sweetly scented.
Sweet Peas Probably the nation’s favourite! These beautifully scented blooms make dwarf hedging or can climb up trellis and are super cut flowers. We know the sweet pea has a special place amongst our gardeners’ affections and we’re delighted to offer a huge range of varieties to you. Nothing can beat the sweet pea for all round performance - garden decoration and wonderful fragrance in the garden and the vase!

Mr. Fothergill’s is proud to be forging links with the renowned New Zealand sweet pea breeder Dr. Keith Hammett, whose work on Britain’s favourite annual flower is unparalleled in modern times, look out for the distinguishing logo on the packet.

Approx. 20 seeds

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. Support with tall canes or netting.

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.

Aid germination by slitting the seed coat slightly, and soaking for 24 hours before sowing.

Seedlings are best protected against bird damage with a few short twigs. Autumn sowings should be overwintered in cool, but frost-free conditions.