Henry Eckford Sweet Pea Seeds

Lathyrus Odoratus
Sweet Pea "Old Spice, Henry Eckford" 
Seeds per Package: 20

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Henry Eckford’ (Sweet Pea) is a classic, highly fragrant annual climber prized for its intensely scented, richly colored blooms and long stems. Originating from Sicily and cultivated widely since the 19th century, ‘Henry Eckford’ is a tall, vigorous variety often used to create vertical color on trellises, fences, and arches in cottage and cutting gardens.

Plant sweet peas in full sun for best flowering, though they appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates. They prefer fertile, well‑drained soil amended with compost for steady moisture and nutrients; avoid waterlogged conditions. Provide sturdy support (netting, trellis, or canes) at planting—these vines will climb vigorously when given something to grasp.

Seeds can be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or sown directly outdoors in cool soil as soon as it can be worked in spring. Sweet pea seeds benefit from scarification or an overnight soak in warm water to speed and improve germination; they germinate in 7–14 days under good conditions. No cold stratification is required, though fall sowing in mild climates can give strong early growth.

‘Henry Eckford’ typically reaches 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 m) tall with a narrow spread—space plants about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart along supports to allow room for climbing. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one season but offers prolific bloom from late spring into summer with regular cutting.

Sweet peas are outstanding cut flowers, prized for fragrance and long stems; they also attract pollinators but are not commonly used for drying or pressing.