How to grow Sweet Pea Pained Lady

  1. Choose a locationin full sun and well-draining soil.
  2. Sow seeds directly directly in the garden after the last frost date in your area at 20-30°C on the surface of a free draining, damp seed compost, 3 seeds per 7.5cm plot.  Then apply a layer of compost 1cm deep.
  3. Or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.  Place in a polythene bag until after germination.
  4. Provide support for your Sweet peas as they are climbing plants and will need some form of support, such as a trellis, fence, or netting to climb on.
  5. Sweet Peas require regular watering and fertilisation to thrive. Water the plants when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilise them every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertiliser.
  6. Deadheading or pinch off dead flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a neat appearance.

Heritage of Sweet Pea-Painted Lady

Painted Lady Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus ‘Painted Lady’) originated in Italy during the 18th century.  This variety dates to 1737 and was planted by Jefferson at Monticello in the early 1800s. Its delicate blooms feature bi-colored petals in shades of pink and white, reminiscent of the painted wings of butterflies. This heirloom variety has been cherished for generations for its charming appearance and sweet fragrance, making it a beloved addition to cottage gardens and floral arrangements.
Plant Height 180cm (5'11"")
Season of Interest Spring / Summer
Temperature Range 10 - 20°C (50 - 68°F)
Annual / Perennial / Biennial Annual
Frost Hardy / Tender Tender
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade Full Sun
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings Raise Seedlings
Seed Preparation Soak seeds overnight before sowing
Sowing Depth 2 - 3mm (⅛")
Plant Spacing 15 - 20cm (⅝" - ¾")
Row Spacing 45 - 60cm (1'6" - 1'12")
Watering Regular to keep soil moist, not waterlogged
Good Companion Plants Nasturtiums, Lavender, Marigolds, Lupins, Alyssum
Bad Companion Plants Garlic and onions, Potatoes, Fennel
Pests Aphids, Spider mites, Thrips
Diseases powdery mildew

FLOWER-SWEET PEA-PAINTED LADY

$3.50

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More About Direct Compost Solutions

When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.

Then a friend of mine told me about a homemade method she used. However, when I tried her method, I found this also didn't suit my needs, as it too had flaws that I considered where important. It did not keep vermin out, did not have a lockable lid and (to me) looked unsightly in the garden.