SWEET PEA CULTURE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 68, 11 June 1927, Page 24 (Supplement)

SWEET PEA CULTURE

(Lathyrus Odoratus). Summer flowering sweet pea seed may be sown any time from June until September. They were originally discovered in Sicily in 1700. No flowering plant gives greater return for labour than the sweet pea. The first step in preparing for a harvest of this bloom is to look for an easterly position, sheltered from wind, where the early sun will push life into the plants. Next dig a trench 30 inches deep, and, in the bottom of it, put tins or stones to ensure drainage. On this foundation trample 12 inches of wellrotted stable or cow manure. A 3in. layer of sojil should cover this, and then another 9in. of manure in which has been mixed lib. of blood and bone manure to every 10 yards of trench and a liberal supply of old leaves, grass, and fill the trench to within three inches of the top with sieved soil; then the full benefit of watering will be secured. Do not mix the lime with the manure, but sprinkle it lightly on the ground when the plants break through. It helps to get rid of vermin. Before planting seeds dip them in luke-warm water for half an hour to aid germination. If this is done do not water for a few days; too much moisture causes rotting, and also attracts plant-lice. Sow the seeds an inch deep in light soil and half an inch in heavy soil, and allow at least six inches between, or, if show blooms are the objective, at least 12 inches between each seed.

For private gardeners who require a massed show such extensive thinning out is not necessary. The p f eas may be trained on three stems keeping the side growths pinched out from these as they grow (see diagram). Sow the seed as early as possible. If the soil is not quite ready in time, sow the seed in pots. When the plants are a few inches high they can be handled quite easily, and if care is taken to get a good knob of earth with each seedling there will be no noticeable check. An excellent method is to

make boxes with collapsible sides, which will plants to be removed safely with a trowel. One thing to be avoided - is overhead watering, and do not spray the foliage while the sun is up. That causes scorching and yellowing. Should rust develop clip off the foliage and burn it. Sweet peas can be purchased in all colours, but selection of seed will give excellent results. While it is difficult to advise the right species to plant, varieties such as the Mottes and Concords have established themselves as notable flowers. But the seedsman will give a list, to suit every district and soil. Picking the flowers with long stalks and not allowing seed to set will ensure flowering for many extra weeks.