Lathyrus odoratus 'Almost Black'
modern grandiflora sweet pea seed Almost Black
A modern grandiflora variety with decadent, deepest purple maroon, highly scented flowers. ‘Almost Black’ is as dark as it gets in a sweet pea and makes a stunning cut-flower companion for brighter, hotter colours as well as an elegant colour wheel clash with white forms such as ‘Jilly’.
In our (not very scientific) sweet pea trial on the nursery, we found that this variety had very pretty flower colour and was highly scented. There were not too many flowers left in August, and what there was had a stem length of around 15-20cm (6 - 8").
All the sweet peas in our trial produced significantly better plants when the seeds were sown in autumn rather than spring.
These sweet peas are available either as potted seedlings (each 9cm pot typically containing between 5 to 7 seedlings), or as seed (with each packet containing approximately 20 seeds).
In our (not very scientific) sweet pea trial on the nursery, we found that this variety had very pretty flower colour and was highly scented. There were not too many flowers left in August, and what there was had a stem length of around 15-20cm (6 - 8").
All the sweet peas in our trial produced significantly better plants when the seeds were sown in autumn rather than spring.
These sweet peas are available either as potted seedlings (each 9cm pot typically containing between 5 to 7 seedlings), or as seed (with each packet containing approximately 20 seeds).
How to care for Lathyrus odoratus Almost Black:
Gradually harden off the seedlings before planting them out into well-prepared soil, enriched with lots of well-rotted organic matter. Pinch out the growing tips of the young plants as they grow to encourage bushier growth, and apply a balanced liquid plant food every two weeks while in growth. Deadhead the spent flowers regulary to encourage even more to form.
Sowing instructions:
From October to late March, sow seeds into pots filled with good-quality seed compost and grow them on in a cold frame. Then, after the worst frosts have passed, the seedlings can either be planted out or potted up for the patio. Alternatively, direct sowings can be made in October or from March to April.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Frost tender
-
Humans/Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible
Unavailable
Seed Packets (only)£2.95
