From our perspective, the key to a successful teepee begins with choosing the right cultivars of Lathyrus odoratus. We are climbing annuals, naturally equipped with tendrils that reach out and grasp supports, making us ideal for a vertical structure. For a long-lasting and vibrant display, select a mix of heirloom or Spencer varieties known for their intense fragrance and prolific flowering. We require a cool root run, so planting us alongside the base of your teepee, where our roots are shaded but our vines can reach for the sun, is perfect. Our life cycle is tied to cool weather; we thrive in the spring and will fade with the intense heat of summer, so timing is everything.
Our success is deeply rooted in the preparation of the soil. Before your teepee structure is fully erected, enrich the ground in a circle around where each support pole will stand. We desire a deeply dug, fertile, and well-draining soil. Amend the earth with plenty of well-rotted compost or manure; this provides the nutrients we need for our vigorous growth and abundant flowering. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH is our preference. Ensuring the soil is loose and not compacted allows our young taproots to establish themselves quickly and strongly, which is the foundation for the entire display.
The teepee itself is our trellis, our highway to the sun. The structure must be sturdy enough to support our mass of foliage and flowers when we are in our full, lush glory. Use materials like bamboo poles, tall branches, or wooden stakes. Push them firmly into the ground at an angle, tying them together securely at the top to form a stable cone. The spacing between poles is crucial; it should be close enough (about 15-20 cm apart) for our tendrils to easily find and latch onto the next pole, creating a dense and continuous curtain of green and color. You may also tie garden twine or netting horizontally between the poles to provide us with even more anchoring points for our climbing efforts.
As we begin our growth journey, we will instinctively send out our modified leaf stems, called tendrils, searching for something to clasp. Initially, you may need to gently guide our young shoots towards the base of the poles or the lowest rung of twine. Once we make contact, our natural climbing mechanism takes over. Avoid forcing us or tying our main stems too tightly, as this can damage us. Instead, offer gentle encouragement and we will do the rest, spiraling upwards and weaving ourselves through the structure. This process is how we access the sunlight vital for photosynthesis, which fuels our growth and flower production.
To keep us flourishing and focused on our purpose—creating a breathtaking focal point—consistent care is needed. We are heavy feeders and drinkers. Provide us with a steady supply of water, especially during dry spells, aiming at the base to keep our foliage dry and prevent mildew. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks will support our rapid growth. Most critically, you must regularly harvest our flowers. Deadheading, or picking the blooms for bouquets, is not a loss for us; it is a signal to produce even more flowers. If we are allowed to set seed, our energy will divert from blooming to reproduction, and the show will quickly end.
