Painted Lady Sweet Pea Flowers

The Painted Lady is one of the first named sweet pea cultivars, known for its elegant bi-color blossoms with a rose backdrop and light pink front. This old-fashioned sweet pea is also known for its ability to tolerate heat and for its beautiful fragrance.

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