Royal Blend is a beautiful mix of purple, red, rose, white, pink, blue, scarlet, cream, and salmon. This captivating variety features larger, more robust flowers than most traditional sweet peas, making the Royal series exceptional not only for its impressive bloom size but also for its heat resistance, which provides a longer blooming period and extends the display well into the warmer months. This heirloom selection offers a delightful range of colors, from soft pastels to vivid, striking shades, making it a lovely choice for trellises, fences, and garden beds. With their classic, intoxicating fragrance, Royal Blend Sweet Peas are perfect for cutting and filling your home with the nostalgic scent of spring and summer.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
- FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
Common Names: Royal Blend Sweet Peas
Latin Name: Lathyrus odoratus
Type: Flower
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 2 - 9
Stratification: Recommended for better germination
Germination Ease: Moderate
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Height: 4-8 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Color: Blend of pastels and vibrant shades
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Early Summer, extended with heat resistance
Companion Plants: Peas, Lettuce, Carrots (Sweet Peas attract beneficial insects and enhance pollination.)
Potential Toxicity: Seeds and pods are toxic if ingested
Climate Adaptability: Prefers cooler spring climates but can bloom longer due to heat resistance
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in fall in mild climates for early blooms the following year.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Sweet Pea seeds benefit from stratification to improve germination.
Stratification Process:
- Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat.
- Alternatively, lightly scarify the seeds by rubbing them with sandpaper or nicking the seed coat with a knife to aid water absorption.
Complete the soaking or scarification process 1-2 days before planting.
Days to Emerge:
10-21 days
Seed Depth:
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 2-3 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Tolerant of cool weather; the Royal series extends blooming into warmer conditions.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Royal Blend Sweet Peas thrive in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Ensure a neutral to slightly acidic pH for optimal growth.
Watering:
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the growth and bloom periods, without waterlogging the soil.
Light and Temperature:
Grow in full sun for best bloom production. The heat resistance of the Royal series allows for extended blooming even in warmer temperatures.
Maintenance:
Provide support, such as trellises or netting, for climbing. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering and prevent seed formation.
Container Friendly:
Can be grown in deep containers with good support structures for climbing.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Pick blooms when they are fully open for fresh arrangements and to encourage new blooms.
How to Harvest:
Cut stems at the base with sharp scissors or garden shears.
Drying and Storing:
Not typically dried, as they are most valued for their fresh fragrance and appearance.
Edible Use:
Flowers are not edible, and seeds/pods should not be ingested as they are toxic.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow some pods to mature fully on the plant. Harvest when they turn brown and start to split open.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove seeds from the pods and air-dry them completely before storing.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 1-2 years.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Sweet Pea flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, promoting garden health and biodiversity.
Origin:
Sweet Peas originated in southern Italy and Sicily and became popular in Victorian-era gardens for their exquisite fragrance and charm.
Nomenclature:
The genus *Lathyrus* is derived from Greek, and *odoratus* means "fragrant," highlighting their signature scent.
History:
The Royal series is a modern take on this classic heirloom, blending the traditional allure of Sweet Peas with enhanced features like larger blooms and heat resistance.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to touch, but seeds and pods are toxic if ingested.
Climate Adaptability:
Best suited for cooler climates, with heat resistance allowing for blooming into early summer.
