Description
Lathyrus hemetii (hybrid cross of L. odoratus x L. beleninsis) | Sweet Pea ‘Blue Shift’
Sweet Pea ‘Blue Shift’ is a large-flowered hybrid variety bred by Dr. Keith Hammett. It’s a stunning annual climbing vine with extraordinarily beautiful and bright multi-colored flowers that transform from delicate pinks and mauves to enchanting sky blues, aquamarines and vibrant purple-violet, creating a spectacular kaleidoscope of colors in the garden. One of the most beautiful on Earth! The variations and color-blending continue throughout the duration of the bloom, including even after cutting and arranging them in a vase, where they may be the most beautiful of all! ‘Blue Shift’ has the ‘bluest’ color that currently exists in sweet peas.
To add even more appeal, the blooms release a strong and captivating fragrance that’s sure to bring pleasure and delight, especially for those who’ve never smelled a Sweet Pea before! The stems are ‘winged’ and clad with light green leaflets in pairs. The stems end in tendrils which enable the plants to grab and climb.
Lathyrus hemetii plants enjoy getting established while the soil is still cool and are quite frost tolerant, so no worries about them surviving on the beginning or tail end of the seasons. In the warmest planting zones, Sweet Pea can even be planted in the fall for winter blooms. Otherwise, start seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost to give them a good start before planting outside.
The vines require support to climb, like a chain link fence, plant tower, trellis netting, etc. They thrive in bright, sunny areas in well-drained soil on balconies, terraces, containers and garden beds. Pinch off the tops when there are 4 pairs of true leaves, to encourage bushier growth.
For the highest germination percentage it is recommended to nick or scarify the seeds before sowing them using a nail clipper or Fiskars scissors (which breaks the outer seed coat) and then soak them overnight in warm water. However, soaking in water without nicking is often enough. Sow seed a little deeper than the seed is tall.
Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds should NOT be ingested. Use caution around children and pets.
Type: Hardy annual
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 6-8 ft
Mature width: 2 ft
Hardiness zones: 10-11
