The ‘Lord Nelson’ sweet pea is a cherished variety known for its striking deep indigo-blue flowers, often appearing almost black-blue. Its robust, classic fragrance adds an enchanting aromatic dimension, making it a popular choice for any garden space.
Understanding ‘Lord Nelson’ Sweet Pea
The ‘Lord Nelson’ sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is an heirloom variety celebrated for its signature deep indigo-blue petals, which deepen to an almost black-blue in certain light conditions. It possesses a strong, sweet fragrance, characteristic of classic sweet peas, making it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. As a climbing annual, it typically reaches heights of 6 to 8 feet, requiring vertical support. It generally begins flowering in late spring, continuing through the summer months.
Cultivation Guide for ‘Lord Nelson’
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Site selection is important for ‘Lord Nelson’ sweet peas, as they thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil must be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or manure to improve drainage and nutrients. Sandy soils benefit from organic additions for water retention. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH (7.0-7.5) is preferred.
Seed Starting
Start ‘Lord Nelson’ sweet pea seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, or direct-sow them after frost danger has passed and the soil warms. Sweet pea seeds have a tough outer coat; scarifying them by nicking the coat or soaking them in warm water for 24 hours improves germination. Plant seeds about one inch deep, spacing them for their climbing habit.
Planting Out
When transplanting indoor-started seedlings, space ‘Lord Nelson’ plants 6 to 12 inches apart, allowing ample room for air circulation and growth. Provide a sturdy support structure like a trellis, netting, or stakes at planting. Sweet peas are natural climbers and will quickly twine, so guide young tendrils onto the support early to encourage upward growth.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Lord Nelson’ sweet peas, especially during dry periods. Deep watering at the base helps prevent fungal issues. Once established, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks to support continuous flowering. Pinching out growing tips when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more flower stems.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lack of abundant blooms often stems from insufficient sunlight, as these plants require substantial direct sun exposure, or an excess of nitrogen in the soil, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Leggy, stretched growth indicates inadequate light levels. Yellowing leaves can signal nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, or issues with soil drainage and overwatering. Common pests like aphids can be managed by gently hosing them off or, for more severe infestations, by applying an insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew, a fungal disease, appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and, if necessary, using an appropriate fungicide.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Blooms
Harvest ‘Lord Nelson’ sweet pea blooms when at least three to five flowers are open on the stem, but before any seed pods begin to form, as this signals the plant to cease blooming. The best time to harvest is early in the morning when the flowers are fully hydrated. Cut stems as long as possible, using sharp clean scissors or snips to make a clean cut above a leaf node. Immediately plunge the freshly cut stems into a vase of cool water; changing the water daily and re-cutting stems every few days helps prolong freshness. Enjoy their enchanting fragrance and vibrant color in cut arrangements or directly in the garden.