Lathyrus odoratus 'Spring Sunshine Scarlet' – Early cut flower sweet pea with intense scarlet flowers

Lathyrus odoratus 'Spring Sunshine Scarlet' is a high-quality selection of scented sweet peas, specially developed for professional cut flower production in early spring. This variety combines vigorous growth, long, sturdy stems, and an abundance of large, billowing flowers in a striking scarlet color. This makes the plant ideal for commercial production and for home gardeners who want to enjoy fragrant, abundant flowers early in the season.

Early flowering thanks to short-day selection

Traditional Lathyrus odoratus naturally blooms in summer. However, 'Spring Sunshine Scarlet' has been selected for early flowering under short-day conditions, producing flowers after around 11 hours of daylight. This allows for harvesting in late winter or early spring, even in cool greenhouse conditions where standard sweet peas are often slow to grow.

Impressive growth characteristics

This variety is distinguished by vigorous early growth, which continues even in low light levels. Each stem can bear 5–6 large flowers, developed on sturdy, wavy stems. The intense scarlet flowers create a vibrant, eye-catching display and are ideal for bouquets, flower arrangements, and spring table settings. Thanks to the long, straight stems, the flowers are excellent as cut flowers, retaining their strength and elegance even after intensive picking.

Cultivation and care

For optimal germination, it's recommended to soak 'Spring Sunshine Scarlet' seeds in lukewarm water beforehand. Depending on the desired harvest time, sowing can take place at different times:

• December sowing for early spring flowers

• May sowing for autumn flowers

The plant thrives in cool greenhouses with limited light, but it's important to support the stems and provide sufficient space for optimal flower development. Regularly picked flowers encourage new blooms and significantly extend the flowering period.

Application and benefits

'Spring Sunshine Scarlet' is ideal for:

• Professional cut flower cultivation in greenhouses

• Early harvest for spring bouquets and flower arrangements

• Home gardeners who want to harvest flowers early in the season

• Arrangements with striking, warm spring colours

The intense scarlet color adds a vibrant, energetic touch and combines beautifully with white, cream, pink, or orange flowers. Moreover, this fragrant sweet pea attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity in the garden or greenhouse environment.

Why choose Lathyrus odoratus 'Spring Sunshine Scarlet'?

• Early flowering under short-day conditions

• Vigorous growth in cool greenhouse conditions

• Long stems with 5–6 large flowers per stem

• Intense scarlet flowers of high quality

• Ideal for cut flowers and professional use

• Flexible sowing schedule for spring or autumn production

With its striking color, strong stems, and reliable early flowering, Lathyrus odoratus 'Spring Sunshine Scarlet' is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy fragrant, elegant sweet pea flowers early in the season.