Description: | An heirloom vine that is still popular in the modern garden. |
Pronunciation: | (la-THI-rus)(o-do-RA-tus) |
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plant
type:
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Annuals |
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Hardiness
zone:
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Sunlight:
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full |
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Moisture:
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moist, hate to be dried out |
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Soil
& Site:
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prefers deep rich organic well drained soils, tolerates average |
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Media:
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Temperature:
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will tolerate light frosts, often listed as a hardy annual |
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Flowers:
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many colors, blooms best in cooler weather, will shut down in the heat of the summer, fragrant |
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Foliage:
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alternate, pinnate with two leaflets and a clinging terminal tendril, winged stems |
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Dimensions:
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2 to 10 feet depending on the variety |
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Maintenance:
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some varieties may need staking |
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Propagation:
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can be sow in situ, sow indoors a few weeks before the last frost, sow in peat pots to avoid root disturbance, soak seeds for 2-3 days before sowing,germinate a lower temps than most seeds 55-60 degrees F, plant out early May in zone #5 |
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Origin & History:
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In 1870 a Scottish nurseryman, Harry Eckford, crossbred the original flower, creating the ornamental and sweetly scented sweet pea we know today. Laythyrus is the Greek name for Pea.
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Notes
& Reference:
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Even though the word Pea is in the name the seeds and flower of this plant are toxic. (Reference:#40-Herbaceous Ornamental Plants (Steven Stills), #109-Annuals and Tender Perennials for North American Gardens (Wayne Winterroud)
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