Soft, luminous blue blossoms and that irresistible old-fashioned sweet-pea perfume—Blue Celeste is pure cottage-garden romance. This British-bred heirloom climbs eagerly on a trellis, fence, or arbor, producing abundant pastel-blue flowers, typically four or five to a stem. Their graceful form, lovely color, and fragrance make them especially appealing in a cutting garden or cottage border.
Give the vigorous vines a sturdy, well-anchored support before they begin to climb. Sweet peas prefer cool growing weather and well-drained soil enriched with aged manure or compost. Sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. In mild-winter climates where the ground does not freeze, fall sowing is also supported. Pick flowers regularly and remove faded blossoms to encourage the longest display.
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Botanical name: Lathyrus odoratus
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Life cycle: Annual
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Exposure: Full sun; afternoon shade can help where summer heat arrives quickly
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Sowing: Direct sow in spring or fall
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Planting depth: 1 in.
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Germination: 10–14 days
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Mature height: 6–8 ft.
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Spacing: Sow 2–3 in. apart; thin to 4–5 in.
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Approximate seed count: 35–40
Water well as the vines grow and mulch to help maintain even soil moisture. Protect young seedlings from birds, slugs, and snails.
Find more individual varieties in our flower seed packets.
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