'Spencer' Sweet Pea Mix
identification
description
Sweet pea 'Spencer Giant Mix' (Lathyrus odoratus) from McKenzie Seed Company, a highly fragrant climbing mix with large, wavy flowers
The 'Spencer Giant Mix' sweet pea is a classic and prestigious blend of large, wavy-flowered sweet peas, renowned for their intense sweet fragrance and floral elegance . The plants are vigorous and climbing , producing an abundance of flowers in a variety of shades , from soft pastels to more vibrant colors , including pink, purple, red, crimson, lavender, and white .
Highly prized as a cut flower , this Spencer mix is a favorite for fragrant bouquets , floral arrangements , and vertical gardens . The long flower stems are ideal for training on trellises, fences, arches, or decorative supports , adding height, movement, and romance to the garden. While it prefers cooler temperatures early in its growth, this mix exhibits good heat tolerance once established.
Companion plants: Zinnia, Cosmos, Marigold, Annual Phlox
Enemy plants: —
Spread/Habit: Climbing, vigorous
Plant height: Up to 2.1 m
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Open pollination
Physical type of seed: Seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 45 to 50 seeds
Special features: Highly fragrant, large ruffled flowers, excellent as a cut flower, attracts pollinators
Flower color: Multicolored
Texture/Floral appearance: Large, wavy, elegant flowers
Climate tolerance: Tolerates moderate heat and drought once established
Farming method
Sweet peas can be sown directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. To improve germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds for 12 to 24 hours before sowing. Choose a location in full sun (level 3) with rich, deep, and well-drained soil .
Sow the seeds 2.5 cm deep , spacing the plants 10 to 15 cm apart. Provide support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which usually occurs in 10 to 14 days .
Regular watering, equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week , is recommended, especially during flowering.
Flowering and maintenance
Flowering typically begins 65 to 90 days after sowing and continues from July until the first frosts . Regularly picking the flowers stimulates continuous production and prolongs flowering. Removing faded flowers prevents seed formation and promotes more abundant blooms.
Usage ideas
• Highly fragrant cut flowers
• Trellises, fences and arches
• Romantic gardens and cottage
• Summer floral decorations
• Pollinator gardens
The 'Spencer Giant Mix' sweet pea from McKenzie Seed Company is a must-have for flower gardens , offering an enchanting fragrance , abundant blooms , and vertical elegance . A classic and refined variety, ideal for transforming any space into a fragrant and vibrant garden.
