Lathyrus odoratus 'Winter Sunshine Opal' – Winter-flowering cut flower sweet pea with soft opal-colored flowers

Lathyrus odoratus 'Winter Sunshine Opal' is a unique selection of scented sweet peas, specially developed for professional greenhouse production of cut flowers in early spring. This variety combines vigorous winter growth, long, sturdy stems, and an abundance of large, billowing flowers in a delicate opal color. This makes the plant ideal for growers who want to harvest high-quality flowers in winter and early spring, even in cool greenhouse conditions and with limited light.

Winter flowering thanks to short-day selection

Unlike the original summer bloomers of Lathyrus odoratus, 'Winter Sunshine Opal' was selected for winter flowering under short-day conditions. While summer bloomers require 12 hours of daylight and spring varieties 11, winter varieties like this one bloom even with 10 hours of daylight. This allows flowers to be produced as early as late autumn and early winter, giving growers a head start on the regular flowering season.

Impressive growth characteristics

This winter selection is distinguished by vigorous early growth, which continues even during the dark winter weeks. Each stem can carry 5–6 large flowers, developed on sturdy, wavy stems. The soft opal flowers create an elegant, refined look, ideal for bouquets, flower arrangements, and luxurious spring flower arrangements. Thanks to the long, straight stems, the flowers are ideal as cut flowers, retaining their strength and grace even after intensive picking.

'Winter Sunshine Opal' has different growth characteristics than regular sweet pea varieties and therefore requires specific cultivation methods, such as sufficient space and stem support for optimal flower development. Regularly picked flowers also stimulate new blooms and significantly extend the harvest period.

Cultivation and care

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

• Sow in mid-September for early spring production

• May sowing for autumn flowers

This winter selection is more vigorous than many other winter varieties and grows well in cool, low-light greenhouses, making it ideal for professional cut flower production under challenging conditions.

Application and benefits

'Winter Sunshine Opal' is perfect for:

• Professional cut flower cultivation in greenhouses during winter and early spring

• Early harvest for spring bouquets and flower arrangements

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

• Arrangements with soft pastel and spring colours

The opal-colored flowers add a subtle and elegant touch that combines beautifully with white, cream, pink, and lavender. Moreover, this fragrant sweet pea attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity in the garden or greenhouse.

Why choose Lathyrus odoratus 'Winter Sunshine Opal'?

• Winter flowering under short-day conditions

• Vigorous early growth under low light levels

• Long stems with 5–6 large flowers per stem

• Soft opal-colored flowers of high quality

• Ideal for cut flowers and professional use

• Flexible sowing schedule for autumn and winter production

With its delicate color, strong stems, and reliable winter flowering, Lathyrus odoratus 'Winter Sunshine Opal' is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy fragrant, high-quality sweet pea flowers early in the season.