Renee's Garden - Dating back to 1737, Painted Lady was the very first named sweet pea cultivar, the result of a natural color mutation from the original purple Italian species to a beautiful rose, pastel pink, and cream bicolor. Heat tolerant and deliciously scented, Painted Lady begins flowering early on vigorous vines that stretch and grow as the season continues. Bring the continuity of centuries to your garden by growing these heavenly-scented flowers, treasured in the cottage gardens of our great-grandmothers.
Characteristics:
Heirloom
Pollinators & Beneficials
Annual climbing vine
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant
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.
