Sweet Pea 'Swan Lake' Seeds

'Swan Lake' is the gold standard for white Sweet Peas. As a classic 'Spencer' type, it produces massive, deeply ruffled blooms on exceptionally long, strong stems. The petals are pristine white, looking like gathered silk, and they hold their shape beautifully in a vase.

This variety is a favourite of exhibitors and florists alike. Unlike some whites which can look translucent or papery, 'Swan Lake' has a solid, creamy density to the petals. It carries a lovely, fresh scent—not overpowering, but clean and sweet, making it perfect for dining tables where you don't want the fragrance to dominate the food.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Swan Lake'

We love this plant because it goes with absolutely everything. In the garden, it acts as a "palate cleanser," breaking up hot colours and reflecting the moonlight in the evening. In the vase, it brings a touch of elegance to any bunch of flowers.

It is also a vigorous grower. 'Swan Lake' is known for its reliability and strength, quickly scrambling up arches or obelisks to provide a lush screen of green foliage topped with snowy blooms from mid-summer onwards.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Sweet Peas are **Hardy Annuals**.

They live for one season but are tough enough to withstand a British 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 have deep roots. 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 pure white of 'Swan Lake' is the perfect neutral partner for bold or pastel themes:

• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': A crisp, nautical combination. The intense, button-blue of the Cornflower looks incredibly fresh next to the frilly white Sweet Pea. It's a timeless, cool colour scheme.
• 🏰 Larkspur 'Giant Hyacinth Mixed': For a cottage garden bouquet. The vertical spikes of the Larkspur provide structural contrast to the climbing Sweet Peas. Picking a bunch of both creates an instant arrangement.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

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

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)