code: 569
“Mama Mia” is new and totally unique
Family: Leguminosae
Common name: Lathyrus odoratus
Plant Classification: Hardy annual
Packet Content(approx.): 25
This modern grandiflora type, also sold under the name “Mama Mia” is new and totally unique. This reverse-bicolour flower is possibly the most exciting novelty sweet pea to come from Keith Hammett’s breeding program in New Zealand. It has a light pink standard and rich mid blue wing and is derived from a cross between a sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) and the recently discovered species Lathyrus belinensis, indeed, there is nothing else like it. Seed very scarce.
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.
How to Grow:
In mild areas seeds can be sown in pots in the fall, wintered over in a sheltered spot and planted out in spring. Everywhere else, sow seeds 10-12 weeks before the last frost and plant out right around the last frost. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Harvesting/Vase Life:
For the longest vase life, pick when there are at least two unopened flowers at the tip. Vase life will be shorter when picked more open. Sweet peas are a short-lived cut flower, lasting at best 4-5 days in a vase. Adding a source of sugar or flower food to the water will extend vase life a few additional days.
