Sweet Pea 'Winston Churchill' Seeds

'Winston Churchill' is widely considered the finest crimson Sweet Pea ever bred. It produces large, frilly, velvet-textured blooms in a rich, glowing scarlet-crimson. As a classic 'Spencer' type, it is engineered for excellence, boasting exceptionally long, straight stems that make it a favourite for flower arrangers and exhibitors.

While many modern red varieties lack fragrance, 'Winston Churchill' breaks the mould. It carries a lovely, sweet scent that, while not as overpowering as the old-fashioned types, is certainly strong enough to perfume a room when cut.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Winston Churchill'

We love this plant for its sheer visual impact. Red can be a tricky colour in the garden, but this specific shade of crimson is deep and rich rather than harsh. It looks absolutely magnificent climbing up a rustic obelisk, providing a splash of regal colour that draws the eye from across the garden.

It is also a reliable performer. It is vigorous, robust, and resistant to weather damage, ensuring you get buckets of blooms even during a damp British summer.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Sweet Peas are **Hardy Annuals**.

They live for one season but are tough enough to withstand cold weather.
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 (optional). 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 garden 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 intense crimson of 'Winston Churchill' looks fantastic when cooled down with greens and blues:

• 🍋 Larkspur 'Limelight Mix': A fresh, modern contrast. The greenish-white spikes of the Larkspur lift the deep red of the Sweet Pea, preventing it from looking too heavy. It makes for a very sophisticated bouquet.
• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': For a patriotic display. Combine the deep red Sweet Pea with the electric blue Cornflower for a classic, rich colour scheme that stands out brilliantly in a sunny border.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

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

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)