Sweet Pea ‘Mollie Rilstone’ is a cherished classic, captivating gardeners with its timeless appeal. Highly regarded for its charm, grace, and fragrant, elegant blooms, it is a popular choice for enhancing gardens. Its widespread popularity stems from reliable performance and captivating beauty.
Key Characteristics of ‘Mollie Rilstone’
‘Mollie Rilstone’ is distinguished by its unique qualities. Its blooms feature large, creamy petals gracefully edged with a soft rose-pink picotee, sometimes described as apricot-pink, giving them a vintage appearance. These Spencer-type flowers have ruffled, wavy petals and are vigorous climbers, reaching 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) with a 12-inch (30 cm) spread. A strong, sweet, and delightful fragrance is a signature attribute of ‘Mollie Rilstone’, contributing significantly to its appeal in gardens and as a cut flower.
Planting and Growing ‘Mollie Rilstone’
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Sweet Pea ‘Mollie Rilstone’ thrives in full sun (at least six hours daily), though it can tolerate light or dappled shade, especially in hotter climates. Good air circulation is beneficial for optimal growth and to help prevent diseases. These plants prefer rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, or neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Before planting, incorporate well-rotted organic matter or compost into the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to improve fertility and drainage.
Sowing Seeds
The ideal time for sowing ‘Mollie Rilstone’ seeds depends on your climate zone. In colder regions (Zone 7 or colder), start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost, or in late winter. For milder areas (Zones 8, 9, or 10), sow outdoors in late fall for late winter to early spring blooms, or directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Soaking seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting helps soften their hard outer shell and hastens germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 15 days at a soil temperature of 50-55°F (10-13°C). Plant seeds 1 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart.
Ongoing Care
Consistent watering is important for ‘Mollie Rilstone’, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Watering at the base of the plant helps prevent common diseases like powdery mildew. Applying a heavy layer of mulch around the plants helps keep roots cool and retain soil moisture.
Sweet peas are heavy feeders, so regular fertilization is beneficial. A balanced liquid fertilizer or high-potash feed every two to four weeks throughout the growing season encourages abundant flowering and stronger growth.
Provide adequate support, such as trellises, netting, or stakes, as these vigorous climbers reach 6-8 feet. Pinch off growing tips when plants are around 6 inches tall or have two to four sets of true leaves to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Blooms
Harvest ‘Mollie Rilstone’ blooms frequently to encourage continuous flowering. The best time to cut flowers is in the morning when blooms are open and fragrant, or in the cool evening. Use clean snips to cut stems just above a set of leaves, ensuring at least two unopened flowers at the tip for the longest vase life.
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, is important as it prevents the plant from forming seed pods, which signals it to stop producing new blooms. To extend the vase life of cut sweet peas (typically 4-5 days), remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water and change the water regularly. Adding flower food or preservative also helps prolong their freshness.