Greetings, human gardener. We are the fragrant sweet peas, Lathyrus odoratus. To coax our most vibrant growth and intoxicating perfume from your containers, you must understand our needs from our perspective. Here is what we require to thrive in our confined, pot-bound world.
Our roots are deep and sensitive. We require a spacious and deep container to stretch out and establish a strong foundation. A pot that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and wide is ideal for a few of us. Ensure this dwelling has excellent drainage holes; we despise having our roots sit in soggy soil, as it leads to a fatal condition you call "root rot." A material like terracotta is excellent, as it allows our soil to breathe, preventing waterlogging.
We are not heavy feeders, but we demand a well-draining yet moisture-retentive environment. A standard, good-quality potting mix is a fine start. However, we would be most grateful if you amended it with a handful of well-rotted compost for gentle fertility and some perlite or horticultural grit to guarantee those crucial air pockets around our roots. This mix provides the perfect balance—holding onto moisture for our thirst while allowing excess water to flee.
Our seeds possess a hard coat. To awaken us from our slumber, you must soften this shell. Nick us gently with a file or soak us in tepid water for 4-8 hours before planting. Sow us about 1 inch deep in the prepared container. We prefer to be started in the cool weather of early spring, as we are children of the cool season. We germinate best in soil temperatures around 55-65°F (13-18°C). Please keep our soil moist but not waterlogged as we push our first shoots towards the sun.
We are natural climbers. Our tendrils desperately reach for something to grasp. Without a support structure, we will become a tangled, unhappy mess on the surface of the container, vulnerable to pests and disease. Immediately after planting, install a teepee of thin bamboo canes, a small obelisk, or a section of trellis. Guide our young stems towards it, and we will eagerly do the rest, climbing towards the light and displaying our flowers proudly.
Containers dry out quickly, and our thirst is constant. Water us regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially as we grow larger and temperatures rise. Check the top inch of soil daily. At the same time, do not drown us. A regular, light feeding is appreciated. Once we begin to flower, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every two to three weeks will give us the energy to produce wave after wave of the fragrant blossoms you desire so much.
Our primary purpose is to flower and set seed. If you allow our faded blooms to wither and form seed pods, we will believe our work is done and stop producing new flowers. To keep us blooming profusely, you must pick our flowers! Harvest us for your vases every day. Cut the stems just above a set of leaves, and we will respond by sending out new flowering shoots. This continuous harvesting is the single most important secret to a long and fragrant display.
