Sweet Pea - America

The Sweet Pea America, 'Lathyrus odoratus', is a very old heirloom sweet pea traced back to 1896. The crimson stripes on the soft white petal look like an exotic butterfly perched on a stem. The America is very fragrant and is a summer bloomer. The blooming period depends partially upon the weather because the plants usually stop blooming once the weather warms up. The America will take a little more heat and bloom longer into the summer. The Sweet Pea America has 2 inch flowers that are white with crimson stripes. A key element in successful growing of the Sweet Pea America is very early planting. The sweet pea prefers deep, rich, fertile soil. Use lots of peat or compost for early spring planting. Plant this sweet pea in full sun, but in a cool a spot as possible. Position them away from winds and rotate locations from year to year to prevent sweet pea pests. In cold climates plant the seed in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. In warm climates, plant in October through January for spring bloom. They are used for cut flowers and for covering fences and walls if given the proper support. ... find out more