Sweet pea Spencer Old Times

Yellowing leaves on sweet peas are most often caused by a lack of water or, conversely, an excess of it. First, check to ensure the soil isn't too dry.

Another common cause can be a fungal disease (e.g., powdery mildew), which develops due to poor air circulation and high humidity on the leaves. Therefore, always plant them at the correct spacing, water only at the roots, and ensure good ventilation in the surrounding area.

Germination can fail for a few basic reasons:

• Too much light: Sweet pea seeds must be carefully covered with substrate, as they only germinate in the dark.
• Unsuitable temperature: The ideal temperature for germination is 16 to 20 °C. At temperatures that are too low or too high, the germination process will slow down or stop completely.
• Overwatering: If the substrate is too wet, the large seeds can swell very quickly and rot. Keep it only slightly and consistently moist.

Pinching is absolutely crucial for creating a strong and bushy plant. Once the seedling has grown a bit (usually when it has 3 to 4 sets of true leaves and forms a nice small plant), simply pinch off the very top.

This procedure encourages branching from the lower part of the plant. The result will be a much fuller and denser bush, which will reward you with a significantly larger number of beautiful flowers.

The 'Spencer Old Times' variety is a climbing annual that reliably grows to a height of 100 to 250 cm.

You must provide it with a sturdy and sufficiently high support when planting it outdoors. A tensioned net, a wooden or metal trellis, or various stakes that it can easily climb using its tendrils will work perfectly. Without support, the plant would crawl along the ground and wither.

Sweet pea requires regular and moderate watering.

It is important that the soil around the plant never dries out completely, which could lead to bud drop, stunted growth, or the lower leaves drying out. On the other hand, avoid long-term waterlogging, which could cause the sensitive roots to rot. Ideally, direct the water to the roots and avoid unnecessary wetting of the leaves.

This sweet pea usually blooms in May, June, and July. For it to keep blooming in full strength until August, it is absolutely essential to regularly remove faded flowers.

If you allow seed pods to form on the plant, the sweet pea will redirect all its energy into seed maturation and will naturally stop producing new buds. Regular cutting for vases is the very best care you can provide!

Yes, it is possible, but it comes with challenges. Sweet pea has a very long and deep root system, so to succeed, you need a sufficiently deep and voluminous container.

In a small and shallow planter, it will quickly suffer from drought and lack of nutrients. Also, you must not forget to provide a sufficiently tall support and check the soil moisture much more frequently than with plants grown directly in a garden bed.

For successful germination, follow these steps:

• Soak the seeds in water overnight to soften them.
• Prepare pots measuring 9x9 cm. Sweet pea needs space and dislikes root disturbance during transplanting.
• Place 2 to 3 seeds in each pot.
• You must cover the seeds with a layer of substrate (they are dark-germinating, meaning they need darkness to sprout).
• Maintain a temperature between 16 and 20 °C and keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged.
The first green shoots will appear in approximately 7 to 14 days.

Direct sowing into the garden bed is not recommended for this variety and is more suitable for experienced gardeners. The seeds require controlled conditions for germination, and the plant needs a relatively long period of pre-cultivation (6 to 8 weeks).

Pre-cultivating in pots (ideally 9x9 cm) will ensure much stronger seedlings that will more easily withstand spring weather fluctuations and potential garden pests.

Starting Sweet pea seeds takes an average of 6 to 8 weeks. You can begin sowing at two main times:

• Autumn sowing (November and December): Ideal for achieving very early flowering in the following season.
• Late winter/early spring sowing (January and February): A classic timeframe for growing annuals, followed by planting outdoors once the frosts have passed.

The 'Old Times' shade is absolutely magical and rather unique for Sweet peas. On the edges of the petals, you will find a delicate ash-violet color. The center of the flower then transitions smoothly from ash-white to the softest pastel yellow and cream.

Furthermore, it is characterized by a very strong and intoxicating fragrance, which is typical for the popular Sweet pea and will make every moment spent in your garden more pleasant.

Certainly! The Spencer series was specifically bred for magnificent flowers and is excellent for cutting. This particular variety has slightly shorter stems than other types, so it is perfect for floristry, especially for smaller and more delicate arrangements.

Furthermore, it is highly fragrant, so it will beautifully scent your entire interior.

Sweet pea loves full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-drained and rich in nutrients.

Plant the seedlings outdoors only when the spring frosts have fully passed and the soil has warmed up slightly. Maintain a spacing of 10 to 20 cm so that the plants have enough room to grow, while still being able to lean on each other and form a dense, interconnected wall.

Yes, all parts of the Sweet pea are poisonous and inedible. They contain toxic substances that can cause health problems for both people and pets if ingested.