Lathyrus × hammettii 'Erewhon'
spencer sweet pea seed (syn. Lathyrus odoratus Erewhon)
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average to fast
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: Hardy annual
A standout and remarkable sweet pea variety, lauded for its unique flower colouration. A product of modern breeding, it breaks new ground with its darker lower petals compared to the upper ones, earning it the distinction of a true 'reverse bicolour'. Moreover, the blooms exude a delightful sweet pea fragrance. With its dark purple petals and strikingly lighter pink standards, 'Erewhon' makes an excellent choice for adorning trellises or obelisks in gardens. Its fragrance also makes it a beloved pick for cut flower arrangements.
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 to April
- Flowering: June to September
- Humans/Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible