Sweet Pea 'Miss Willmott'

Product Information

Bred by Henry Eckford in 1901 and named in honour of English horticulturist and garden writer Miss Ellen Willmott (she has a lilac named for her too!) A grandiflora variety with large flowers, this is one of the most popular heirloom sweet peas for the cutting garden.

Sweet Peas prefers a sunny open position in the garden in a soil enriched with aged compost and decomposed manure. Ideally, soils should have a pH around 7 or above for optimal growth as they dislike acidic soils. Sweet Peas attach readily to any open structure that they can get their tendrils around, from simple wire fencing, to cane tepees and elaborate arbours and lattice work. It is important to set up any support before sowing or transplanting so as to avoid damaging the young seedlings as they establish. Sow seed either insitu, or in trays for transplanting. Direct sowing works very well for spring and summer sowings, while indoor sowing is best in autumn. Protect young seedlings from snails, especially during the cooler months. As they begin to flower, it is important to water regularly during dry periods and pick the flowers to prolong flowering.