Sweet Pea 'Millennium' Seeds

If you want a Sweet Pea that makes a statement, 'Millennium' is the one. It produces large, show-stopping flowers in a deep, intense shade of velvet crimson-red. Unlike some reds which can fade in the sun, this variety holds its rich, dark colour beautifully.

This is a 'Spencer' type, meaning it has been bred for long, sturdy stems and frilly blooms, making it exceptional for cutting. However, unlike many show varieties, it hasn't lost its charm—it carries a strong, sweet fragrance that matches its dramatic good looks.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Millennium'

We love this plant for its richness. In a garden often filled with soft pinks and lilacs, 'Millennium' adds a necessary punch of deep colour and drama. It looks incredible climbing up a rustic wooden support, where the red blooms glow against the dark timber.

It is also a competition winner. Because the stems are so long and straight (often bearing 4 blooms per stem), it is the perfect variety for arranging in vases or entering into your local village show.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Sweet Peas are **Hardy Annuals**.

They grow, flower, and set seed in one year, but they are tough enough to survive a British winter.
The Strategy: For the very best results (and the longest stems), sow in Autumn (Oct/Nov) and overwinter the plants in a cold frame. This allows them to build a massive root system. Alternatively, sow in Spring (Jan-March) for a reliable summer display.
Top Tip: Sweet Peas are deep rooters. Sow them in "root trainers" or deep pots (toilet roll tubes work well!) to give the roots room to grow down without spiralling.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Sweet Peas require rich soil and regular attention to perform their best.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors in Oct/Nov or Jan-March. You can soak the seeds in tepid water overnight to help them rehydrate. Sow 1cm deep in moist compost. Keep cool (approx 15°C)—too much heat will stop them germinating! They usually sprout in 10-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They need **full sun** and nutrient-rich soil. Dig a trench and fill it with well-rotted manure or compost before planting. They are vigorous climbers, so ensure you have tall canes or netting installed.

Care While Growing:
Tie them in: Use soft twine to guide the stems up the support.
Feed: Sweet Peas are hungry. Feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser (tomato feed) once the flowers appear.
Harvest: Pick flowers daily. If you let seed pods form, the plant assumes its life work is done and will stop flowering.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The intense red of 'Millennium' needs cool or neutral partners to stop it looking overpowering:

• ❄️ Ammi Majus (Queen Anne's Lace): The perfect cooling agent. The flat, white lacy heads of Ammi Majus act as a neutral foil, breaking up the heavy red of the Sweet Peas and making them look even more vibrant.
• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': A regal combination. Deep Red and Royal Blue is a classic, rich colour scheme. Plant the Cornflowers at the base of the trellis for a dense, jewel-toned display.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in Autumn for early flowers, or Spring for summer blooms.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)