Sweet Pea Matucana is a classic annual climbing plant that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. This award-winning cultivar grows vigorously, providing vibrant blooms throughout its season.
Why Matucana Sweet Peas Stand Out
The ‘Matucana’ sweet pea is notable for its intense, classic fragrance, often described as one of the strongest in the world. Its distinctive bicolored blooms feature deep maroon-purple standards with contrasting dark violet-blue or violet wings. These flowers typically measure around 4 cm across and grow in clusters of two to four blooms per stem.
This variety holds historical significance, believed to have been introduced to Britain from Sicily in 1699, with origins possibly in Peru around 1543. It has received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, underscoring its garden performance. It also demonstrates better heat tolerance than many other sweet pea varieties, allowing for a longer blooming season, particularly in cooler climates.
Growing Matucana Sweet Peas Successfully
Ideal Location and Soil
Sweet Pea Matucana thrives in full sun, ideally six to eight hours daily. In hotter climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial. Optimal growth occurs in well-drained, fertile soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Prepare the soil thoroughly before planting. Incorporate compost, organic matter, or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. A slightly alkaline soil pH (6.5 to 7.5) is suitable for sweet peas. Mulching helps maintain cooler soil temperatures and consistent moisture.
Sowing Seeds
Sweet Pea Matucana seeds can be sown in late fall in mild climates (USDA Zones 8-10) for early spring blooms. In colder areas, start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Direct sowing outdoors is an option in early spring once the soil is workable and frost is no longer a concern.
To aid germination, pre-soak seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours before planting. Plant seeds 1 to 2 centimeters deep, spacing them 10 to 15 centimeters apart. Provide vertical support (trellis, netting, or stakes) from the beginning. Once seedlings reach 15-20 cm tall or develop three to four pairs of leaves, pinch out the central growing tip to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Essential Ongoing Care
Consistent watering is important for Sweet Pea Matucana, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply two to three times a week at the plant’s base to prevent fungal issues from wet foliage. When fertilizing, choose a formula low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium to encourage flower production over excessive foliage.
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or bone meal at planting. Subsequent feeding every two to four weeks during the growing season supports continuous blooming. Regularly removing spent blooms (deadheading) is important. This prevents seed formation and redirects energy into producing more flowers, extending the display.
Addressing Matucana Sweet Pea Challenges
Gardeners might encounter a few common issues. A lack of blooms can be attributed to too much nitrogen, insufficient sunlight, or not regularly deadheading. High temperatures or inconsistent watering can also stress plants, leading to reduced flowering.
Pests like aphids, thrips, slugs, and snails can affect sweet pea plants. Good air circulation and watering at soil level help manage these issues. Powdery mildew is another common concern, appearing as white spots on leaves, especially in humid conditions or when plants are stressed. Proper spacing, avoiding overhead watering, and morning watering can prevent this fungal disease. If mildew appears, remove affected parts and ensure adequate air flow.
Harvesting and Using Matucana Blooms
To ensure the longest vase life, harvest Sweet Pea Matucana blooms in the early morning or cooler evening. The ideal time to cut stems is when one or two lower flowers have just begun to open, with remaining blooms still in bud. Cutting fully open flowers results in a shorter vase life.
Use sharp snips to make clean cuts at the stem’s base; including a small portion of the vine can add visual interest and potentially extend vase life. Sweet peas are short-lived cut flowers, typically lasting four to six days in a vase. Adding a flower preservative or a pinch of sugar to the water can prolong freshness. Regularly harvesting blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers, providing a continuous supply for bouquets and fragrant indoor accents.