Lathyrus odoratus grandiflora Spring Sunshine Formula Mix seeds - Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea or Lathyrus odoratus Spring Sunshine™ 'Formula Mix' is part of a series offering early and heat-resistant varieties, suitable for a Mediterranean climate. Not recommended for outdoor planting further north, as it requires a warmer climate, this variety also thrives in pots, in a greenhouse, or a conservatory. Its fragrant flowers in a colourful mix make excellent cut flowers. This cultivar brings together varieties famous for their vibrant colours such as 'Orange', 'Cherry', or 'Burgundy' tempered by the softness of 'Mauve', 'Peach', or 'White'. The annual climbing plant is vigorous and very floriferous.

Lathyrus odoratus is an annual herbaceous plant of the fabaceae family, native to southeastern Italy and Sicily. The Spring Sunshine variety stands out for high-performance, very early flowering. It can reach 2m in height and 40cm in width within a few months. Its light green leaves are paired on quadrangular stems, with stipules at the base and extended into tendrils. Flowering occurs between April and June. The butterfly-like flowers are large, grouped in axillary clusters with slightly wavy petals. They consist of 5 petals, with the upper one, also the largest, forming a banner shape, while the others have an intermediate shape between a lip and a tube. They emit a delicate fragrance, with a sweet floral aroma with hints of honeyed and musky notes, very feminine. The fruit is a flat pod that twists to expel its seeds to a distance. It is essential to remove faded flowers, as seed production immediately stops flowering. Sweet peas root deeply in the soil to draw water and nutrients.

The 'Formula Mix' sweet pea thrives in warm, sunny locations with well-drained, even rocky soil. Its charming flowering adds charm to bouquets and hanging baskets as well as to any available support it quickly colonises with its long stems that cling to supports on their own thanks to their tendrils. It is also ideal for beds, using neighbouring plants or bushes as support. For a harmonious garden, pair sweet peas with coreopsis, echinaceas, gauras, and annuals such as poppies or cosmos. This plant also creates beautiful carpets by combining colours from different varieties. It fits perfectly in cottage gardens or as a floral addition to the vegetable garden or even in a cutting garden, providing an abundant supply of cut flowers.