Our Favorite Sweetpea ( Lathyrus )

Royal Family Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is one of the most celebrated grandiflora sweet pea strains, producing large, beautifully ruffled flowers on long stems in an impressive range of colors. Developed specifically for exhibition-quality blooms, cutting gardens, and home gardeners who appreciate fragrance, the Royal Family series combines outstanding flower size with the rich perfume that made sweet peas famous. The elegant blossoms create a spectacular display on trellises, fences, arbors, and garden supports while providing armfuls of cut flowers throughout the cool growing season.

Garden Uses:
Royal Family Sweet Peas are ideal for trellises, fences, arches, pergolas, obelisks, and decorative garden supports. Their long stems and large blooms make them among the finest cut flowers available for bouquets and floral arrangements. They are especially effective in cottage gardens, heirloom gardens, cutting gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes where both fragrance and beauty are desired.

Growing Information:
Sow seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or start indoors several weeks before the last frost. Soaking seeds overnight prior to planting can improve germination. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in fertile, well-drained soil. Sweet peas thrive in cool weather and prefer full sun with consistent moisture. Provide sturdy support immediately after planting, as vines quickly begin climbing. Regular harvesting of flowers and removal of seed pods will encourage continued blooming.

Quick Facts:
Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
Common Name: Royal Family Sweet Pea
Plant Type: Annual Climbing Vine
Height: 6-8 feet
Spread: 12-24 inches
Bloom Colors: Mixed shades including white, pink, red, lavender, blue, purple, and bi-colors
Fragrance: Strongly fragrant
Light: Full sun
Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained
Bloom Season: Spring through early summer
Pollinator Friendly: Excellent
Cut Flower Value: Outstanding
Garden Style: Cottage, heirloom, cutting, trellis gardens
Difficulty: Easy

Old Spice Mix Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a wonderfully fragrant heirloom-style sweet pea mixture known for its rich perfume, graceful climbing vines, and old-fashioned range of colors. The blooms appear in charming shades of rose, cream, lavender, maroon, purple, pink, white, and striped bicolors, giving the planting a romantic cottage garden appearance. This mix is especially treasured by gardeners who want the classic sweet pea fragrance that made these flowers famous.

Garden Uses:
Old Spice Mix is excellent for trellises, fences, garden netting, arbors, obelisks, and porch supports. The vines create a colorful vertical display while bringing fragrance close to walkways, patios, and seating areas. The flowers are also outstanding for cutting, and small bouquets can fill a room with sweet, old-fashioned perfume.

Growing Information:
Sow seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or plant in autumn in mild winter areas for earlier spring bloom. Soak seeds overnight before sowing to help speed germination. Plant about 1 inch deep in rich, well-drained soil and provide support at planting time. Sweet peas prefer cool weather, full sun in cooler regions, and steady moisture. In hot climates, afternoon shade can help extend flowering. Remove spent blooms and developing seed pods to encourage continued bloom production.

Quick Facts:
Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
Common Name: Old Spice Mix Sweet Pea
Plant Type: Annual Climbing Vine
Height: 5-7 feet
Spread: 12-24 inches
Bloom Colors: Mixed shades of pink, rose, cream, lavender, purple, maroon, white, and bicolors
Fragrance: Very strong, old-fashioned sweet pea scent
Light: Full sun to partial afternoon shade
Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained
Bloom Season: Spring to early summer
Use: Trellises, fences, arbors, cutting gardens, cottage gardens
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Cut Flower Value: Excellent
Difficulty: Easy