Annual Sweet Pea Early Multiflora Mixed Flowers

Lathyrus odoratus 'Early Multiflora Mix' is a vigorous climbing sweet pea with strong, sturdy stems bearing abundant blooms in lavender, pink, purple, red, salmon, and white — an outstanding cut flower and a dependable cottage garden climber. Vines grow 6–10 feet tall. An especially versatile variety: plant in early spring for summer display, or in fall to bloom through winter in mild and protected areas. Also excellent for greenhouse forcing. Solid colors; mild, pleasant fragrance.

Plant Highlights

• Vigorous climbing vines to 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) with sturdy, strong-stemmed blooms
• Full color mix: lavender, pink, purple, red, salmon, and white
• Outstanding cut flower; mild fragrance; excellent for forcing
• Plant in spring or fall; blooms through mild winters when fall-planted
• Open-pollinated; save seeds season to season

Growing Guide

Seed prep: Soak seeds in warm water overnight to soften the hard seed coat. If any remain firm after soaking, lightly nick the coat with a sharp knife. Plant prepared seeds promptly.

Spring planting: Direct-sow as soon as the ground can be worked. Seeds tolerate light frosts but need at least 55°F to germinate. Plant just under the surface; keep moist. Start indoors in peat pots (3 seeds per pot) with ample sunlight for earlier blooms.

Fall planting (mild winters): Plant prepared seeds in fall for the earliest spring display, or for winter blooming in protected or mild-winter areas.

Support: Provide a trellis, wire, or netting before vines begin climbing.

Ongoing care: Pinch top leaves occasionally to encourage branching. Water regularly; mulch to retain moisture; fertilize several times through the season. Protect young plants from birds and slugs.

Cutting: Harvest in the morning when the lowest bloom is just opening. Strip lower leaves; place immediately in water. Cut frequently — the more you harvest, the more blooms you get.

Seed saving: Allow pods to turn light brown on the vine, then pick and spread to dry. Split to remove seeds; dry fully before storing in a cool, dry place.

Planting Specs

• Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 5–9
• Height: 48–60 inches (6–10 feet climbing)
• Bloom season: Early summer through late summer (or winter in mild areas)
• Bloom color: Lavender, pink, purple, red, salmon, white — mixed
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, pH 6.1–7.5
• Germ temp: 64–68°F | Avg. germ time: 14–21 days
• Planting depth: Just under the surface (½ inch)
• Spacing: 2–3 inches at sowing; thin to desired spacing