Buy sweet pea seed Matucana Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana': Delivery by Waitrose Garden

Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana'

sweet pea seed Matucana

Eventual height & spread

Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana'

sweet pea seed Matucana

approx 20 seeds
£2.89 £3.40
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)

2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
£13.98 £4.66 each
available to order from spring

9cm pot | 5 - 7 seedlings
£6.99
available to order from spring

Delivery options

Seed Packets (only) £2.99
Named Day £10.99

Position: full sun
Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: average to fast
Flowering period: June to September
Hardiness: hardy annual

Masses of highly fragrant, bi-coloured blooms appear from July to September adding colour and sweet perfume to the garden. This old-fashioned variety is renowned for its deliciously scented and very beautiful flowers. First introduced to Britain in 1700, 'Matucana' is perfect for training over a wigwam of bamboo canes in a sunny, well-drained site.

Garden care:

After the risk of frost has passed, and before spring planting our 9cm sweet peas, incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting area and backfill. Once planted out, keep sweet peas well-watered, especially during dry spells, as they dislike drying out. Tie in the stems regularly to their supports to keep them upright and prevent tangling. Feed every couple of weeks with a high-potash fertiliser once flowering starts to encourage continuous blooms.

Remove faded flowers promptly to prevent seed pods forming, as this will prolong flowering. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and treat early to prevent damage. Regular picking not only keeps the display going but also provides plenty of blooms for the house.

From October to late February, sow seeds into deep pots or root trainers filled with a good-quality seed compost and place them in a cold frame. Pinch out the tips as the plants grow to encourage them to become bushier and produce more flowers, and harden off before planting out in early April.

Direct sowing can also be made in October, where plants will be more advanced for the following year, or March-April. It is important to remove the faded flowers before they set seed, so picking them to fill a vase inside will only encourage more to form.

Sow: October to April