Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are cherished for their delicate beauty and captivating fragrance. Among the many varieties, ‘Flora Norton’ stands out as a particularly beloved heirloom, known for its distinctive qualities and enduring appeal. Its historical significance and consistent performance have made it a favored choice for generations of gardeners seeking classic sweet pea elegance.
Distinguishing Features of Flora Norton
Flora Norton sweet pea is recognized for its clear, pale to sky-blue flowers. Each blossom typically features an upright standard petal and gracefully spreading wing petals, often described as having a translucent, slightly veined appearance. This Grandiflora variety, introduced around 1904, was specifically bred to produce more flowers on longer stems, making it an excellent choice for cutting.
It is highly prized for its strong, classic sweet pea fragrance. This intense perfume is a hallmark of many heritage sweet pea varieties, distinguishing them from some modern hybrids that may have less scent. Its robust fragrance, combined with its prolific blooming, ensures its continued popularity.
Growing Flora Norton Sweet Peas
Sweet peas thrive in full sun, though they can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates where cooler night temperatures are beneficial. The ideal soil is deep, humus-rich, and well-draining, with a preference for a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Enriching the soil with a generous amount of compost or well-rotted organic matter in the fall significantly enhances fertility and moisture retention.
Planting time varies depending on your climate, but typically occurs in late winter or early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. In mild winter regions (USDA Zones 8-10), seeds can be sown in late fall for earlier spring blooms. To aid germination, sweet pea seeds benefit from soaking in water overnight, and for particularly hard seeds, a small nick in the seed coat can improve water absorption. Sow seeds approximately 1 inch deep, with a spacing of 6-8 inches apart for optimal growth.
Keep the soil lightly moist, especially during dry periods and flowering season, requiring about 1 inch of water per week, or more during hot, dry spells. Avoid waterlogging. Incorporate compost or aged manure before planting. During the growing season, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium, and lower in nitrogen, to support abundant flowering; options like tomato fertilizer or a high-potash kelp-based organic fertilizer applied every one to two weeks are suitable. Excessive nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
As climbing vines, ‘Flora Norton’ sweet peas require sturdy support structures to thrive, reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet. Trellises, netting, or stakes provide the necessary framework for their tendrils to grasp. Install these supports before planting to avoid disturbing young seedlings. Gently guide young plants onto the support as they grow, and if they reach about 6 inches tall, pinching out the central growing tip can encourage bushier growth and more side shoots.
Ongoing Care for Abundant Blooms
Regular deadheading is important for sustained bloom production. Remove spent flowers before they form seed pods to encourage more blooms, rather than seed development. Aim to deadhead at least once a week, or more frequently during peak blooming periods, cutting the stem just above a healthy leaf joint. Light pruning can also help manage vigorous growth and improve air circulation if plants become too dense.
Sweet peas can encounter common garden pests and diseases, requiring timely management. Aphids are a frequent concern, as these sap-sucking insects can stunt growth and may transmit viruses. A strong stream of water can dislodge aphids, and regular inspection helps catch infestations early.
Powdery mildew, a fungal disease characterized by a white, powdery coating on leaves, can occur, particularly in warm, dry conditions or with poor air circulation. Ensuring proper plant spacing and consistent moisture can help prevent it. Slugs and snails may also feed on young seedlings; monitoring and physical removal are effective strategies.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Blooms
Cut flowers when at least two blossoms on the stem are open and the remaining buds are still closed; cutting fully open flowers may result in a shorter vase life. Harvest in the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to prevent wilting and prolong freshness.
Use sharp, clean snips to make a diagonal cut on the stems, which increases the surface area for water absorption. Remove any leaves that would fall below the waterline in the vase to prevent bacterial growth and keep the water cleaner. While sweet peas have a relatively short vase life, typically around 4 to 5 days, adding flower food to the water and keeping the vase in a cool location away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit (which release ethylene) can help extend their freshness. Their strong fragrance and beautiful clear blue color make ‘Flora Norton’ sweet peas a delightful addition to indoor arrangements.