(Lathyrus odoratus) Sweet Pea Prima Donna - A historically important sweet pea. In 1899 the gardener at Althorp Park, Silas Cole was browsing his rows of Prima Donna sweet peas, a popular variety of the day, when he happened upon a curiously frilly flower. He let the plant set seed and the following season some of the offspring of this 'sport' had retained the frills. This would become Countess Spencer - the first of the Spencer type sweet peas. (Eckford, 1896)

1. Autumn Sowing
   
   The the most desirable regime for exhibition quality blooms is autumn sowing. This can be tricky in the north if October…
2. Winter Sowing
   
   Sowing indoors in late December or early January can yield very good results. Sow in late December or early Janua…
3. Spring Sowing
   
   Sowing sweet peas in the spring is by far the easiest way of growing. There is no need to keep the seeds under glass, ho…