ANNUAL Sweet Pea VINE ‘Knee High Mix’

Lathyrus odoratus 'Knee High Mix' brings everything beloved about sweet peas — the intoxicating fragrance, the ruffled cottage-garden blooms in lavender, pink, white, and red — in a compact, dwarf form that reaches just 12–18 inches tall. Unlike full climbing types, Knee High Mix doesn't require a trellis system, making it ideal for window boxes, borders, and small beds. Yet the stems are long enough to cut — so you still get those magnificent, fragrant cut flowers without the overhead of a support structure. One of America's favorite annuals, and for good reason.

Approx. 300 seeds per oz.

Plant Highlights

• Compact dwarf habit: 12–18 inches — no trellis needed
• Rich fragrance; ruffled blooms in lavender, pink, white, and red
• Stems long enough for cutting; excellent in mixed arrangements
• Ideal for window boxes, borders, and small beds
• Cool-season performer; thrives in spring and fall
• Deer resistant; self-sows if pods are left to mature

Growing Guide

Seed prep: Soak seeds overnight in warm water to soften the hard coat. If any remain hard after soaking, nick the coat slightly with a sharp knife before planting.

Cool-winter areas: Sow in fall for winter and early spring blooms. In mild climates, sweet peas grow and bloom through winter.

Spring planting: Sow as soon as the ground can be worked — light frosts are tolerated, but seeds need at least 55°F to germinate. Plant just under the soil surface and keep lightly moist.

Starting indoors: Sow in groups of three in individual peat pots (to avoid root disturbance at transplant). Give plenty of sunlight. As seedlings develop, pinch off the top leaves to encourage branching.

Ongoing care: Water regularly; mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Several fertilizer applications through the season bring plants to full potential. Guard against slugs and birds on young plants.

Cutting: Harvest in the early morning when the lowest blossom on the stem has just begun to open. Strip leaves below the waterline and place immediately in water. The more you pick, the more they grow.

Seed saving: Allow pods to turn from green to light brown on the plant, then pick and spread to dry. Remove seeds from pods, dry fully, and store in a cool, dry place.

Planting Specs

• Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 3a–9b
• Height: 12–18 inches (dwarf/bush type)
• Bloom season: Summer through fall
• Bloom color: Lavender, pink, white, red — mixed
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, pH 6.1–7.5
• Germ temp: 55–68°F | Avg. germ time: 14–21 days
• Spacing: 4–6 inches