Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupani'
sweet pea seed Cupani's original
This sweet pea was first introduced to the UK in 1699 when a Sicilian monk, Francis Cupani, sent seeds of this highly fragrant annual to Dr Robert Uvedale, a teacher from Enfield, Middlesex. Thanks to its delicious scent the sweet pea has gained popularity throughout the centuries and over 400 years later the range of colours has increased enormously. Many of the modern varieties however lack the scent of their older relatives, which is why we have included this old variety in our collection. The flowers may be a little smaller than their recently introduced cousins, but they have a brilliant two-tone colour and the scent is to die for. You simply won't find a sweet pea with a better scent than this one.
How to care for Lathyrus odoratus Cupani:
After the risk of frost has passed, and before spring planting our 9cm sweet peas, incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting area and backfill. Once planted out, keep sweet peas well-watered, especially during dry spells, as they dislike drying out. Tie in the stems regularly to their supports to keep them upright and prevent tangling. Feed every couple of weeks with a high-potash fertiliser once flowering starts to encourage continuous blooms.
Remove faded flowers promptly to prevent seed pods forming, as this will prolong flowering. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and treat early to prevent damage. Regular picking not only keeps the display going but also provides plenty of blooms for the house.
Remove faded flowers promptly to prevent seed pods forming, as this will prolong flowering. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and treat early to prevent damage. Regular picking not only keeps the display going but also provides plenty of blooms for the house.
Sowing instructions:
From October to late February, sow seeds into deep pots or root trainers filled with a good-quality seed compost and place them in a cold frame. Pinch out the tips as the plants grow to encourage them to become bushier and produce more flowers, and harden off before planting out in early April.
Direct sowing can also be made in October, where plants will be more advanced for the following year, or March-April. It is important to remove the faded flowers before they set seed, so picking them to fill a vase inside will only encourage more to form.
Direct sowing can also be made in October, where plants will be more advanced for the following year, or March-April. It is important to remove the faded flowers before they set seed, so picking them to fill a vase inside will only encourage more to form.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
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
approx 20 seeds
was £3.79
now £3.22
In stock
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(shipped within 2-3 working days)
2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
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9cm pot | 5 - 7 seedlings
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available to order from spring
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