"Recipe For A Memory"
by Margaret Bailey
Fifty years ago, my dad planted a row of sweet peas for me outside my bedroom window. I watched the vines grow and the flowers form. I was enchanted by the tendrils and the shape of the bonneted flowers. But, the wonderful smell that came with the breeze through my window was memorable.
Now, I have planted sweet peas several times over the years with minimal or no success. Life has brought me back to the house where I had my row of sweet peas. The sunny spot my dad used is now shady, but there are other spots for me to try.
In order to achieve some success, I did some research on the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus). Horticulture development of the sweet pea is attributed to Henry Eckford, 1823-1905, a Scottish nurseryman who crossbred and developed the plant. He turned it from an insignificant, though sweetly scented flower into a floral sensation of the Victorian era where they attributed its meaning as "thank you for a lovely time" or "goodbye."
One reference compares growing sweet peas to making a pie crust - some people have the knack, others don't. The following is the recipe I plan to follow.
In our mild climate you can direct sow seeds in soil rich with organic matter in the late fall. Thus, they can develop and bloom in late winter and early spring. Seeds should be soaked overnight to soften the coating. Plant about an inch deep and three to four inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting, then restrict water until seeds germinate. Good growth is promoted by watering frequently after germination. However, over-fertilization will cause dark leaves and fewer flowers.
When seedlings are three to six inches tall, pinching will encourage strong side shoots. The vines can grow five to eight feet tall, so provide a trellis or fence. They are also available in a bush variety. Dead-heading will encourage longer blooming. Sweet peas grow best with their heads in the sun and roots in deep, cool soil. If possible, plant low growing annuals in front to shade their roots. Once the temperature goes above 65 degrees, these sweet smelling jewels will begin to fade.
There are over 250 varieties of sweet pea. Breeders now offer heat resistant varieties with old fashion perfume. Any labeled "Old Fashion" though not really a variety are very fragrant. Heirlooms like "Old Spice" bloom in shades of cream, white, pink, lavender and purple. One variety I plan to try is "America" an Heirloom that unfurls petal of stunning red and white stripes.
With this recipe, plus the facts that sweet peas have few pests, I hope to have a bumper crop of memorable smelling blooms. Just remember, unlike pie crust, sweet peas should not be eaten as they have neurotoxins in them.
Bibliography
Garden Guides. Com. "n.d." Sweet pea. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://www.gardenguides.com/105-sweet-pea-garden-basics-flower-annual-lathyrus-odoratus.html
Iannotti, Marie. "n.d." Sweet peas - the queen of the annuals. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://gardening.about.com/od/plantprofiles/p/SweetPea.htm
Wikipedia. "n.d." Sweet pea. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_pea
Now, I have planted sweet peas several times over the years with minimal or no success. Life has brought me back to the house where I had my row of sweet peas. The sunny spot my dad used is now shady, but there are other spots for me to try.
In order to achieve some success, I did some research on the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus). Horticulture development of the sweet pea is attributed to Henry Eckford, 1823-1905, a Scottish nurseryman who crossbred and developed the plant. He turned it from an insignificant, though sweetly scented flower into a floral sensation of the Victorian era where they attributed its meaning as "thank you for a lovely time" or "goodbye."
One reference compares growing sweet peas to making a pie crust - some people have the knack, others don't. The following is the recipe I plan to follow.
In our mild climate you can direct sow seeds in soil rich with organic matter in the late fall. Thus, they can develop and bloom in late winter and early spring. Seeds should be soaked overnight to soften the coating. Plant about an inch deep and three to four inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting, then restrict water until seeds germinate. Good growth is promoted by watering frequently after germination. However, over-fertilization will cause dark leaves and fewer flowers.
When seedlings are three to six inches tall, pinching will encourage strong side shoots. The vines can grow five to eight feet tall, so provide a trellis or fence. They are also available in a bush variety. Dead-heading will encourage longer blooming. Sweet peas grow best with their heads in the sun and roots in deep, cool soil. If possible, plant low growing annuals in front to shade their roots. Once the temperature goes above 65 degrees, these sweet smelling jewels will begin to fade.
There are over 250 varieties of sweet pea. Breeders now offer heat resistant varieties with old fashion perfume. Any labeled "Old Fashion" though not really a variety are very fragrant. Heirlooms like "Old Spice" bloom in shades of cream, white, pink, lavender and purple. One variety I plan to try is "America" an Heirloom that unfurls petal of stunning red and white stripes.
With this recipe, plus the facts that sweet peas have few pests, I hope to have a bumper crop of memorable smelling blooms. Just remember, unlike pie crust, sweet peas should not be eaten as they have neurotoxins in them.
Bibliography
Garden Guides. Com. "n.d." Sweet pea. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://www.gardenguides.com/105-sweet-pea-garden-basics-flower-annual-lathyrus-odoratus.html
Iannotti, Marie. "n.d." Sweet peas - the queen of the annuals. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://gardening.about.com/od/plantprofiles/p/SweetPea.htm
Wikipedia. "n.d." Sweet pea. Retrieved November 3, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_pea