Sweet Pea ‘Future Shock’
Lathyrus odoratus
Description
Flowers are a range of red, coral, and orchid purple. As they age, they take on the most unusual hue, gray-purple over fuchsia, as if they’ve been dipped in sepia-toned ink—like nothing we’ve seen before!
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
Flowers are a range of red, coral, and orchid purple. As they age, they take on the most unusual hue, gray-purple over fuchsia, as if they’ve been dipped in sepia-toned ink—like nothing we’ve seen before!
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
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.
