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Lathyrus odoratus Spencer Mars - Sweet Pea Seeds

Lathyrus odoratus Spencer Mars
Sweet Pea, Vetch, Vetchling

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An elegant and original variety, with white flowers speckled and finely edged in scarlet red. From the Spencer series, it is appreciated for the intensity of its fragrance, its vigour and floribundity. Of large size, it can reach 3 m in height. Sweet peas are really easy to grow, don't hesitate to sow them in spring, they will thrive and bloom all summer in a fertile, loose and fresh soil, in the sun.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
2.75 m
Exposure
Sun
Germination time (days)
14 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing
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Sowing period March to April
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

The Lathyrus odoratus Spencer 'Mars' is a variety of Sweet Pea of large size from the Spencer series, a series known for its powerful fragrance, floriferousness, and vigour. 'Mars' offers large original bicolour flowers. On a white background, they are speckled and finely edged with scarlet red. Delightfully scented and carried by long sturdy stems, they are ideal for bouquets. It is an annual, climbing or creeping, plant that quickly colonises a large area. It is easily sown and grown in the sun, in fertile and moist soil.

The Lathyrus odoratus Spencer 'Mars' is an annual herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family, whose ancestors originate from southeastern Italy and Sicily. Thanks to its tendrils, it can climb or crawl up to 2.50 to 3 m in height and 40 cm in width in a few months. It is adorned with large undulating flowers. The leaves are paired on quadrangular stems, with stipules at the base and extended into tendrils. Their colour is a light green, more or less greyish or bluish. Flowering occurs from June-July to August-September, depending on the sowing date. The papilionaceous flowers are large to very large, clustered in axillary clusters. They consist of 5 petals, more or less frizzled, with the uppermost, also the largest, forming a banner, while the others have an intermediate shape between lip and tube. They release a powerful, yet delicate, scent, with a sweet floral aroma with hints of honeyed and musky tones. The fruit is a flat pod that twists as it expels its seeds at 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. They enjoy warmth, as well as rich, loose, and moist soils.

The Lathyrus odoratus Spencer 'Mars' is an attractive variety, with a gentle and unique character. As annual plants, sweet peas bravely cling their tendrils to numerous supports that they invade in a season, and their charming flowering is essential in the garden. Plant them at the foot of a wire fence or a garden shelter. On the ground, in a variety mix, they form beautiful colourful carpets. They are equally charming in summer beds, using neighbouring plants or bushes as support. By regularly removing the pods that form after the flowers, they generously bloom all summer. In a cottage garden or vegetable patch, where they appreciate fertile and well-watered soil, they accompany columbines, hollyhocks, or foxgloves. They make splendid bouquets. They are majestic in a large hanging basket, cascading into romantic garlands. Mix 'Mars' with white, red, and pink flowers for a splendid colour palette.

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Sweet peas: planting, growing, care and use
Family sheet
by Eva 13 min.
Sweet peas: planting, growing, care and use
Read article

Flowering

Flower colour two-tone
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 3 cm
Fragrance Fragrant, Floral, sweet, balsamic, musky.
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.75 m
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Lathyrus

Species

odoratus

Cultivar

Spencer Mars

Family

Fabaceae

Other common names

Sweet Pea, Vetch, Vetchling

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 228110

Planting and care

Before sowing them, let the seeds soak in a bowl of water for 6 hours. This will improve the germination speed.

Sow the Sweet Pea Spencer Mars directly in place at the base of a trellis in March-April, in groups of 2 or 3 seeds at a depth of 2.5 cm. Leave a minimum distance of 30 cm between two groups.
When the seedlings reach the stage of the second pair of leaves, cut the tip of each stem to encourage branching.
Regular watering, but not in excess, will accelerate its growth. A sunny location, a supply of fertiliser for flowering plants, and the removal of faded flowers will promote abundant flowering from June to August.
Beware of snails and slugs that love to devour young plants.

Sowing period

Sowing period March to April
Sowing method Direct sowing
Germination time (days) 14 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope, Climbing, Vegetable garden
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Draining, rich

Planting & care advice

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