Lathyrus odoratus 'Princess Elizabeth'
spencer sweet pea seed Princess Elizabeth
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: hardy annual
Large, frilly flowers with salmon-pink petals, which fade to cream at their base, form small clusters on the slender stems throughout the summer. First established in 1950, this is a long-standing favourite and is a great garden performer. Plant it near an entranceway so you can take full advantage of its scent. - Garden care: 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 sowings can also be made in October 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.
- Sow: October-April
- Flowering: June-September
- Approximate quantity: 20 seeds
- Humans/Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible