The ‘Prince of Orange’ sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus ‘Prince of Orange’) is an annual flower known for its striking appearance and delightful fragrance. This cultivar offers a unique color that stands out in any garden.
Discovering Prince of Orange Sweet Pea
‘Prince of Orange’ sweet pea has vibrant, bi-colored blooms with shades of bright mandarin orange, often with pink and coral undertones. Color variations within each petal can become more pronounced as flowers mature. This climbing annual reaches heights of up to 6 feet and spreads about 12 to 15 inches wide. It produces winged stems with light green leaflets and tendrils, allowing it to climb. The blooms release a strong fragrance.
Planting Your Prince of Orange Sweet Pea
‘Prince of Orange’ sweet peas thrive in full sun or light shade. They prefer rich, humusy, well-draining soils with consistent moisture and a pH around 7 or slightly above, as they dislike acidic conditions. Incorporating well-rotted organic manure or compost before planting improves soil quality.
Planting times vary by climate. In zones 7 or colder, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. For warmer climates (zones 8-10), plant in late fall for winter and early spring blooms. To encourage germination, prepare seeds by lightly nicking the tough outer seed coat (scarification) and soaking them in water for 24 hours.
Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep and space them 6 to 8 inches apart. Provide a support structure like a trellis, netting, or arbor for these climbing vines. Install supports before planting to prevent damage to young seedlings.
Nurturing Prince of Orange Sweet Pea for Abundant Blooms
Consistent watering is important for ‘Prince of Orange’ sweet peas, especially during dry periods. They prefer cool, moist soil, so apply a heavy layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Avoid overhead watering, which can contribute to fungal issues.
For continuous flowering, sweet peas benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season, particularly as they begin to flower. Ensure the climbing structure is robust enough for the plant’s mature height of up to 6 feet. Regularly tie stems to the support structure to guide their growth.
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms rather than diverting energy into seed production. Frequent picking extends the blooming season from spring through fall. Pinching off the tops when plants are about 6 inches tall also promotes bushier growth and more side shoots.
Common Challenges and Harvesting Your Sweet Pea
‘Prince of Orange’ sweet peas can encounter common garden challenges. Pests like slugs and snails may affect young seedlings, especially in cooler months. They are also susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and various leaf spots. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help mitigate these issues.
Harvesting sweet pea blooms regularly prolongs the plant’s flowering period. Cut flowers for bouquets when about half of the florets on a stem are open. Use sharp snips for a clean cut and to minimize stress on the plant. Regular cutting encourages the plant to produce additional stems and blooms, allowing for a continuous display of fragrant flowers throughout the season. Sweet pea seeds are not edible and should be handled with caution, especially around children and pets.