Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE - I have made up this striking combination of old-fashioned fragrant sweet peas to recall the famous scene at the end of Alice in Wonderland when the Queen commands her Knaves to paint her white roses red. Queen of Hearts is composed of heat-tolerant antique varieties that blossom in bouquets of crimson-red, deep burgundy, magenta-rose and cream. Together the irresistible colors make a regal blend of vivid flowers with delicate form and delicious honey-orange perfume.
Characteristics:
Heirloom
Pollinators & Beneficials
Annual climbing vine
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant
35-40 Seeds
Instructions - Sweet peas must have well-drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before sowing seeds. Erect a well-anchored trellis, vertical netting, or other support for vines before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked. In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, seeds can also be planted in fall to form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them 4 to 5 inches apart, to allow plants room to mature.
Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as the ground can be worked. Where summer heat comes on fast, they’ll appreciate a spot with afternoon shade. Anchor supports well as vines will grow heavy with bloom. Protect seedlings from birds, slugs, and snails. Mulch and keep well watered. For the longest bloom, pick flowers often and keep faded blossoms cut.
- Plant in: March-May for cold winters; September-March for mild winters
- Full sun or part-day shade
- Sow seeds 2-3" apart; 1" deep
- Days to germinate: 12-28 days
- Mature Height: 6-8 feet
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.
