Annual Blooms in spring to summer. 5' - 9' vines. Full sun. 'Cupani' is the original Sweet Pea type flower found by the Sicilian monk Father Franciscus Cupani in the late 17th century. This very old heirloom is a purple and deep blue bicolor and very fragrant! Modern Sweet Peas have been bred for larger blooms than these original dainty flowers, but it is hard to find a comparison for 'Cupani's' unique sweet scent. It was the first Sweet Pea to arrive in England - as the monk and botanist, Cupani, sent it to Dr. Robert Uvedale, a scholar and unusual plant collector around the turn of the century. For Sweet Peas, the bloom period depends on the weather. As temperatures warm up in summer, flower production starts to slow down. Removing all spent stalks and blooms immediately after they are done blooming will prolong the bloom period. Before planting, prepare your sight well. Choose a sunny, cool spot away from winds and heat-absorbing materials like brick and stone. A 1' - 2' deep bed that has been amended with compost or peat is ideal with the pH ranging from alkaline to neutral. Please note that Sweet Peas are inedible and poisonous.

When to plant outside: In cold climates, sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. This means St. Patrick's Day or earlier. In warm climates, sow October through January for early spring bloom.

When to start inside: Sow 4-6 weeks before planting outside (see above).

Special Germination Instructions: Seed requires scarification, a process that helps to break the hard seed coat. Soak in water for 24 hours before planting or roll on sandpaper to slightly nick the outer surface.

(To view a commonly asked question about growing sweet peas, click here.). "

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