Sweet Pea 'Purple Pimpernel' Seeds

'Purple Pimpernel' is a stunning bi-colour Sweet Pea that demands attention. It features rich, velvety maroon-purple upper petals (standards) contrasted against vibrant violet-blue lower petals (wings). This two-tone effect gives the flowers a depth and complexity that solid colours just can't match.

This is a variety that looks incredible in a vase. The dark, moody colours add a touch of luxury and sophistication to bouquets. Like its famous cousin the 'Scarlet Pimpernel', this variety is vigorous, producing long, strong stems that are perfect for cutting, all while carrying a lovely, sweet fragrance.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Purple Pimpernel'

We love this variety for its visual impact. From a distance, the flowers seem to shimmer as the two shades of purple catch the light. It is perfect for adding a "moody" or "regal" note to your garden colour scheme.

It is also a workhorse. As a vigorous climber, it will quickly cover a trellis or wigwam, creating a lush screen of green foliage studded with jewel-like flowers. It is reliable, robust, and keeps blooming as long as you keep picking.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Sweet Peas are **Hardy Annuals**.

They live for one season but are tough enough to survive a cold winter.
The Strategy: For exhibition-quality blooms on the longest stems, sow in Autumn (Oct/Nov) and overwinter the young plants in a cold frame. For an easier, relaxed garden display, sow in Spring (Jan-March).
Top Tip: Sweet Peas are deep rooters. Sow them in "root trainers," deep pots, or even empty toilet roll tubes to give the roots plenty of vertical space to grow.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Sweet Peas are hungry plants that thrive on rich soil and regular picking.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors in Oct/Nov or Jan-March. You can soak the seeds in tepid water for a few hours before sowing to soften the hard coat. Sow 1cm deep in moist compost. Keep cool (approx 15°C)—heat inhibits germination! They usually sprout in 10-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They need **full sun** and rich, fertile soil. Dig a trench and fill it with well-rotted manure or compost before planting out. Ensure you have a strong support structure (wigwam, trellis, or netting) ready for them to climb.

Care While Growing:
Tie them in: Use soft twine or sweet pea rings to guide the stems up the support.
Feed: Once flower buds appear, feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser (tomato feed).
Pick, Pick, Pick! You must remove seed pods immediately. If the plant sets seed, it assumes its job is done and stops flowering. Harvest flowers every 2 days.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The rich purple tones of 'Pimpernel' need light, fresh companions to stop them disappearing against a dark fence:

• 🍋 Larkspur 'Limelight Mix': A zesty contrast. The greenish-white spikes of the Larkspur lift the dark purple of the Sweet Pea, creating a vibrant, modern look in both the garden and the vase.
• ❄️ Ammi Majus (Queen Anne's Lace): The essential brightener. The flat, white lacy heads of Ammi Majus act as a spotlight, illuminating the deep velvet tones of the Sweet Pea flowers.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

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

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)