Sweet peas 'Starry Night'
Sweet pea 'Starry Night' (Lathyrus odoratus) from seed producer McKenzie, a dark and intensely fragrant climbing mix
The 'Starry Night' sweet pea is a refined mix of deep, antique colors , lending a mysterious yet elegant ambiance to the garden. The flowers come in rich, velvety tones , ranging from scarlet and crimson to navy , mauve , brown , and cream , creating a striking contrast when planted in groups. This mix is particularly prized as a floral backdrop , for covering walls, fences, trellises, or adding vertical interest to containers .
Beyond its visual impact, 'Starry Night' is distinguished by a sweet and captivating fragrance , typical of old-fashioned sweet peas, which fills the air during flowering. The plants are vigorous and climbing , easily reaching 1.5 to 2.1 m , and produce long flower stalks well-suited for cut flowers . Easy to grow and undemanding once established, this sweet pea attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators , contributing to a vibrant and balanced garden.
Spread/Habit: Climbing, vigorous
Plant height: Approximately 1.5 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, dark and old-fashioned flowers, excellent as a cut flower, easy to grow
Flower colors: Violet-blue, midnight blue, crimson, mauve, brown and cream
Flowering period: From July until the first frosts
Tolerance: Tolerates drought once established
Farming method
Sweet peas should be sown directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed . The soil temperature must be above 13°C (55°F) to ensure good germination. As the seeds have a hard seed coat, it is recommended to lightly scarify them with a knife or nail clippers, then soak them overnight in room-temperature water to accelerate germination.
Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day and install a support immediately after planting. Sow at a depth of 1.3 cm , spacing the seeds approximately 5 cm apart, then water gently. Keep the soil evenly moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which typically occurs in 10 to 14 days .
When the young plants develop 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , thin them out to maintain a spacing of about 10 cm , promoting good air circulation and vigorous 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 production and prolongs the flowering period. Moderate watering, equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week , is sufficient, especially during dry periods.
Usage ideas
• Trellises, fences and green walls
• Highly fragrant bouquets
• Romantic and contrasting gardens
• Dark floral backgrounds
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
McKenzie's 'Starry Night' sweet pea is an expressive and refined variety , ideal for gardeners seeking deep colors , intense fragrance , and an elegant vertical presence . A unique blend that transforms the garden into a living, fragrant, and mysterious setting.
