Description
Lathyrus hemetii (hybrid cross of L. odoratus x L. beleninsis) | Sweet Pea ‘Erewhon
Sweet Pea ‘Erewhon’ is a large-flowered, reverse bicolor hybrid variety that was released in 2008, but took Dr. Keith Hammett 30 years to develop! Reverse bicolor sweet peas are a breakthrough in the sweet pea hybridizing world because the standard petal is paler than the wing petals, which is opposite of normal. ‘Erewhon’ demonstrates the greatest contrast in this trait with its extraordinarily beautiful and bright multi-colored flowers of dark lavender-blue, soft pink, and cream, creating a spectacular contrast of colors in the garden. The variations of color 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!
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 odoratus 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
