Lathyrus odoratus 'Almost Black'
modern grandiflora sweet pea seed Almost Black
A modern grandiflora variety with decadent, deepest purple maroon, highly scented flowers. ‘Almost Black’ is as dark as it gets in a sweet pea and makes a stunning cut-flower companion for brighter, hotter colours as well as an elegant colour wheel clash with white forms such as ‘Jilly’.
These sweet peas are available either as potted seedlings (each 9cm pot typically containing between 5 to 7 seedlings), or as seed (with each packet containing approximately 20 seeds).
These sweet peas are available either as potted seedlings (each 9cm pot typically containing between 5 to 7 seedlings), or as seed (with each packet containing approximately 20 seeds).
How to care for Lathyrus odoratus Almost Black:
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:
2m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
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
£2.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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