Mars – Sweet Pea Seed

Striped, ruffled petals on long stems.
From the Spencer series. Brilliant crimson streaks throughout and lining the petal edge. Plants produce 3–4 blooms per 9–12" stem. Highly fragrant. NOTE: Spencer sweet peas are known as late-flowering because they require at least 12 hours of daylight, unlike more modern sweet pea varieties bred for winter production, which may require only 10–11 hours of daylight.

• Attracts hummingbirds.

Ht. 72–96". Avg. 300 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 14-21 days at 55-65°F (13-18°C). Presoak seed for 24 hours in room temperature water prior to planting to aid germination.

SOWING: Direct seed (recommended) — Sow 4-5 weeks before the last frost, 2-3 seeds 6" apart, 1/4- 1/2" deep. Darkness is required for germination. Thin to 6" apart when true leaves appear. Transplant — Sow 4-6 weeks before planting out. Sow into cell packs, 2 seeds directly into each cell or 3-4" container, 1/4- 1/2" deep. Keep soil surface moist until emergence. Thin to one plant when the true leaves appear. Transplant outside as soon as the soil can be worked. Seedlings won’t be damaged by a late frost.

GROWING ON: Mulch to keep the roots cool. Pinch when 6-8" tall to encourage denser branching and more flowers. Cutting flowers increases bloom.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Rich, deep, loamy, moist, well-drained soil.

PLANT HEIGHT: Varies. Trellising is needed.

PLANT SPACING: 6".

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Harvest when half the flowers on a stem are open.

STEM LENGTH: 6-16".

VASE LIFE: 4-6 days. Sweet Peas do not store well, but if necessary store at a temperature of 36-39°F (2-4°C), providing at least 12 hours of light per day.

USES: Cut flower, back of borders, fences, trellises, arbors, and cottage gardens.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lathyrus odoratus