Seeds, Sweet Peas, Painted Ladies (West Coast Seeds)

The beauty of this bicolour heirloom variety has kept it in cultivation since the 1730s. Painted Lady sweet pea seeds are one of the original cultivars from the Cupani strain. Growing 1.5-2m (5-6') tall, it has exquisite, highly scented pink and white petals on long stems for cutting. These Ladies prefer cooler weather, so try planting them in early spring, while there is still a risk of frost at night. And plan to provide the support of a trellis, flower net, or other structure so the long climbing vines have something to hold onto as the grow.

Annual

Timing
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. Or direct sow outdoors in early spring, while the soil is still cool and light frost is still possible. Plants are strongest from an early, indoor sowing. Sweet peas can also be direct sown in the fall where winters are mild.

Starting
Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep. If starting indoors, chip seeds or soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Use a seed inoculant for the best results. Maintain a soil temperature of 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds should germinate in 10-20 days.