Matucana Sweet Pea Flowers

Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana' is a highly fragrant, award-winning annual climbing plant with typically 4 large violet and deep crimson flowers per stem. It is known for being the strongest scented sweet pea in the world and is more resistant to heat than many other varieties. This grandiflora sweet pea is a beautiful addition to any garden and is especially suitable for container planting, where its stunning blooms and delightful fragrance can be fully appreciated. It is also an excellent choice for cut flowers, filling your home with its heavenly scent.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in fall in mild climates

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.5-7.5

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting time
• - Supplement with a low-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season

Pruning and Training:

• - Train vines to climb on a trellis, fence, or other support for best growth
• - Pinch back the growing tips after a few sets of leaves have formed to encourage bushier growth
• - Regularly remove spent blooms to prolong flowering

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids and thrips
• - Monitor for powdery mildew and rust, particularly in humid conditions

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from late spring through early summer

Light Requirements:

• - Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Prefers cooler temperatures between 55-70°F
• - Can tolerate light frost but may struggle in hot, humid weather
• - Plant in the fall in mild climates to bloom in late winter or early spring

Companion Plants for Sweet Pea:

Sweet Pea pairs well with a variety of complementary plants that share similar growing conditions. Some excellent companions include:

• - Nasturtiums: Their trailing habit and bright flowers create a striking contrast with sweet peas
• - Larkspur: The tall, spiky blooms of larkspur complement the delicate flowers of sweet peas
• - Pansies: These cool-season flowers provide early spring color and pair well with sweet peas
• - Dianthus: Their fragrant, low-growing flowers create a lovely border in a sweet pea garden
• - Alyssum: The small, fragrant flowers of alyssum make an excellent ground cover beneath sweet peas