Sweet Pea ‘Topsy’
Lathyrus odoratus
Description
One of the darkest sweet pea varieties we’ve grown. ‘Topsy’ features dramatic black flowers that ride atop long stems. Flowers have a pleasant fruity scent. Bred by Denholm.
Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds are poisonous if ingested. Use caution around children and pets.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall
Height: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
In mild areas, seed can be sown in pots in the fall, overwintered in a sheltered spot, and planted out in spring. Everywhere else, sow seed 10 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out right around last frost. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when there are at least 2 unopened flowers at the tip of a stem. It’s especially important to use flower food. Expect a vase life of 4 to 5 days.
Details
Description
One of the darkest sweet pea varieties we’ve grown. ‘Topsy’ features dramatic black flowers that ride atop long stems. Flowers have a pleasant fruity scent. Bred by Denholm.
Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds are poisonous if ingested. Use caution around children and pets.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall
Height: 6 to 8 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
In mild areas, seed can be sown in pots in the fall, overwintered in a sheltered spot, and planted out in spring. Everywhere else, sow seed 10 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out right around last frost. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when there are at least 2 unopened flowers at the tip of a stem. It’s especially important to use flower food. Expect a vase life of 4 to 5 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
