Sweet pea 'Knee Hi'
'Knee Hi' sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) from McKenzie Seed Company, a compact, fragrant variety ideal for small spaces
The 'Knee Hi' sweet pea is a compact and elegant variety , especially prized for offering the classic beauty and fragrance of sweet peas in an easy-to-manage format. The plants reach approximately 75 cm in height, making them ideal for borders , containers , low trellises , and decorative edging. The flowers come in a harmonious mix of soft and vibrant hues , including lavender, pink, purple, red, salmon, and white , providing a refined presence without overwhelming the space.
Highly fragrant , this sweet pea releases a sweet, floral aroma throughout its flowering period, making it an excellent choice for small gardens , patios, and walkways. Despite its compact size, it remains vigorous , easy to grow, and well-suited for cut flowers , thanks to its sturdy stems and rich colors. It naturally attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators , contributing to the garden's vitality.
Spread/carrying: Compact climber
Plant height: Approximately 75 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Open pollination
Physical type of seed: Seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 45 to 50 seeds
Special features: Compact size, highly fragrant, ideal for containers, easy to grow, cut flower
Flower colors: Lavender, pink, purple, red, salmon and white
Flowering period: From July until the first frosts
Tolerance: Good drought tolerance once established
Farming method
'Knee Hi' sweet peas should be sown directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed . The soil temperature should be above 13°C to promote even germination. As the seeds have a hard shell, it is recommended to lightly scarify them and then soak them overnight in room-temperature water to speed up germination.
Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Sow at a depth of 1.3 cm , spacing the seeds about 5 cm apart, then water gently with a fine mist . Keep the soil evenly moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually takes 10 to 14 days .
When the seedlings have developed 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , thin them out to maintain a spacing of approximately 10 cm , ensuring good air circulation and balanced development. Install a low support if necessary to guide their growth.
Flowering and maintenance
Flowering typically begins 60 to 90 days after sowing and continues until the first frosts . Regularly picking the flowers encourages continuous blooming and increases production. Moderate watering, equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week , is sufficient once the plants are well established.
Usage ideas
• Containers and planters
• Low trellises and flower borders
• Fragrant bouquets
• Romantic and compact gardens
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
The 'Knee Hi' sweet pea from McKenzie Seed Company is an ideal solution for enjoying the charm and fragrance of sweet peas in small spaces . A balanced, elegant, and generous variety, perfect for gardeners who want beauty, fragrance, and simplicity without height constraints.
