Sweet Pea Seeds 'Erewhon' - Unwins

Semi-grandiflora type with a good scent. Lavender and mauve bicolour flowers. Ideal for borders, c...

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This guide is for gardeners looking to add fragrant, colourful blooms to their summer displays, borders, or for cutting. The Unwins Sweet Pea Seeds 'Erewhon' offers a key benefit of elegant lavender and mauve bicolour flowers with a delightful fragrance, perfect for creating beautiful indoor bouquets. A potential caveat is the need for support structures as the plants grow tall. Key features include its semi-grandiflora type, sweet scent, bicolour flowers, suitability for borders and containers, and excellent cutting potential.

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Model Part NumberErewhon
BrandUnwins

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FAQs

When is the best time to sow Sweet Pea 'Erewhon' seeds?

You can sow indoors from January to April for summer flowering, or outdoors from September to October for earlier blooms the following year.

How tall do these sweet peas grow?

The semi-grandiflora type typically grows to about 1.8 meters (approx. 6 feet), requiring sturdy support.

Can I grow these in pots?

Yes, they are ideal for large pots, provided the pots have good drainage and are kept well-watered and fed.

What does 'semi-grandiflora' mean for sweet peas?

Semi-grandiflora types generally have larger flowers and longer stems compared to dwarf varieties, offering an elegant appearance.

How often should I water and feed them?

Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and feed with a suitable liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks once the plants start to grow actively and flower.

Why should I pinch out the seedlings?

Pinching out the tips of young seedlings (at 7-10cm) encourages them to branch out, resulting in a bushier plant with more stems and flowers.

How do I encourage more flowers?

Regularly pick the flowers as soon as they open. This prevents the plant from setting seed, which signals the end of its flowering cycle, and encourages the production of new blooms.

Troubleshooting

Seeds not germinating

Ensure seeds are pre-soaked or pre-germinated as per instructions. Check soil temperature is adequate and moisture levels are consistent but not waterlogged.

Seedlings are leggy and weak

Ensure seedlings are receiving enough light and are not overcrowded. Pinching out the tips at the correct stage can encourage stronger, bushier growth.

Few or no flowers produced

Confirm the plants are in a sunny location and are receiving regular watering and feeding. Frequent picking of spent blooms encourages more flowers.

Plants not climbing or supporting themselves

Ensure adequate support structures (canes, netting, trellis) are provided early. Tie stems gently to the support as they grow.

Poor flowering in containers

Use large pots with good drainage. Ensure consistent watering and a suitable liquid feed is applied regularly, as nutrients can deplete faster in pots.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Produces beautiful, fragrant bicolour flowers.
  • Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders and containers.
  • Long stems make them ideal for cutting and creating bouquets.
  • The semi-grandiflora type contributes to an elegant appearance.
  • Encourages bushier growth and more blooms with simple pinching.

Cons

  • Requires support structures like canes or netting.
  • Needs regular watering and feeding for optimal flowering.
  • Autumn sowing requires protection (cold frame or cloche) over winter.
  • Can be susceptible to pests if not managed properly.
  • Requires careful handling to avoid disturbing roots during planting.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Pre-Sowing Preparation:

To encourage faster germination, place seeds on moist kitchen roll in an airtight container in a warm room until they swell or sprout. Alternatively, soak seeds overnight in water and sow immediately.

Sowing Indoors:

Sow seeds individually in rootrainers or 8cm pots, 1cm deep. Water lightly after sowing and maintain a temperature around 15°C until germination occurs. Avoid re-watering until seedlings emerge.

Growing On & Planting Out:

Once seedlings reach 7–10cm tall, pinch out the tips to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Keep plants in a cool, bright location. Autumn-sown seedlings should be overwintered in a cold frame or greenhouse. Plant out from late March onwards, spaced 20cm apart, in a sunny position, being careful not to disturb the roots.

Sowing Outdoors:

In spring, once the soil begins to warm, sow seeds in pre-watered, compost-enriched soil, 2cm deep and about 7cm apart. Keep the soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to approximately 20cm apart once they are established.

Aftercare:

Provide support such as canes, netting, or a trellis, guiding stems upwards as they grow. Tie stems loosely to the support weekly. These sweet peas are also suitable for large pots. Regular watering and feeding are essential for continuous flowering. Pick flowers frequently to encourage further blooms.