Lathyrus odoratus, 'Cupid' Mixed

Quite distinct from the other Old-Fashioned varieties listed, 'Cupid' Sweet Peas are true dwarves. The parent 'Pink Cupid' is a delightful plant originally occurring in the USA in 1895. We offer a formula mix of all eight colours, including pink, cherry, lavender, rose and mahogany. These will all make lovely plants for the front of the border or make charming pot plants. 1ft (30cm)

Rather surprisingly, for such a well-known flower, the origins of Lathyrus odoratus are shrouded in mystery and its country of origin is not known. The flower was first introduced into this country from Sicily in 1699 where wild specimens have also been collected relatively recently. In addition, similar plants have been collected in South America, but all these are suspected of being garden escapes. From these "original" plants were developed what were known as the grandiflora but are now generally called the Old-Fashioned Sweet Peas. Grow them and we think you will agree that they thoroughly justify a place alongside the modern varieties - although the flowers are smaller, they are more dainty and are borne in profusion - once flowering starts, some can be picked every day, even sometimes until October (provided you don't let them go to seed). Their colours are more intense and glowing, and their scent - strong and heady - is in a different league. Fairly hardy throughout the British Isles.

Needs, we hope, no introduction; only to say that no garden should be without some, if only to supply the house with constant cut flowers. The more you pick, the more they produce and a vase of Sweet Peas is a welcoming sight – and perfume – in any room. Although a great deal of energy has to be expended growing blooms for exhibition purposes, lesser mortals will achieve satisfying results by little more than the sow and forget technique - insert forefinger about one inch into the soil (for our purposes here worry not as to its condition), drop in a single seed, cover and rush indoors to pop the kettle on!)