code: 570
This truly different grandiflora type
Family: Leguminosae
Common name: Lathyrus odoratus
Plant Classification: Hardy annual
Packet Content(approx.): 25
This truly different grandiflora type, also called “Pollyanna” is a distinct colour break from most others, as it is a bicolour with almost translucent, very fragrant, bluish pink standard and white wings. Although it has few flowers per stem, the number of stems produced is prolific!
Sowing advice:
Sow autumn in cold greenhouse or late winter/early spring in warm greenhouse, propagator or windowsill for late spring planting. Alternatively sow outdoors March-April.
*Rather surprisingly, for such a well-known flower, the origins of Lathyrus odoratus are shrouded in mystery and its country of origin is not known. The flower was first introduced into this country from Sicily in 1699 where wild specimens have also been collected relatively recently. In addition, similar plants have been collected in South America, but all these are suspected of being garden escapes. From these “original” plants were developed what were known as the grandiflora but are now generally called the Old-Fashioned Sweet Peas. Grow them and we think you will agree that they thoroughly justify a place alongside the modern varieties – although the flowers are smaller, they are more dainty and are borne in profusion – once flowering starts, some can be picked every day, even sometimes until October (provided you don’t let them go to seed). Their colours are more intense and glowing, and their scent – strong and heady – is in a different league. Fairly hardy throughout the British Isles.
