Sweet Pea 'Winston Churchill' Seeds

Lathyrus odoratus 'Winston Churchill' is a Hardy Annual (H3). It belongs to the famous "Spencer" group, which is the gold standard for cut-flower sweet peas due to their ruffled petals and substantial stem length.

A Scented Rarity: In the world of Sweet Peas, crimson and red varieties often lack the fragrance found in their lavender or white cousins. 'Winston Churchill' is the glorious exception, maintaining a traditional, heady perfume that makes it a "must-have" for the sensory cottage garden.

The Exhibition King: Because it produces four or five blooms per stem and holds its vibrant scarlet colour without fading in the sun, it has remained a staple on the competition bench for decades. It is a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, guaranteeing it as a reliable performer in British gardens.

Sweet Peas are famously rewarding, but they are "hungry" plants that require a little preparation to reach their full potential.

How to Sow:
Autumn Sowing (Best): Sow in October or November in deep pots or root trainers and overwinter in a cold frame. This allows the plant to build a massive root system, leading to much earlier flowers and 2.4m tall vines. Spring Sowing: Sow indoors from January to March. Sow seeds 1cm deep in moist compost; keep cool (approx 15°C) as too much heat can actually inhibit germination.

Where to Plant:
Plant out from late March to May. They require a full sun position and rich, fertile soil—digging in well-rotted manure or compost before planting is highly recommended. Provide a strong support structure like a bamboo wigwam, trellis, or pea-netting immediately upon planting.

Ongoing Care:
The Pinch: When the plants are 10cm tall, pinch out the top growing tip. This stops the plant from becoming a single wobbly stem and forces it to produce multiple bushy side-shoots. Deadhead Regularly: This is the golden rule! Harvest flowers every 2 days and remove any green seed pods immediately. If the plant sets seed, it will stop flowering.

The deep crimson of 'Winston Churchill' makes a bold statement. Pair it with these varieties from our website for maximum impact :

• 🍋 Larkspur 'Limelight Mix': The Designer Contrast. The zesty lime-green and white spikes of Larkspur provide a crisp, modern backdrop that makes the velvety crimson of the Sweet Peas appear even deeper and more luxurious.
• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Patriotic Display. Recreate a classic British summer meadow by pairing the scarlet-crimson of 'Winston Churchill' with the electric blue of our 'Blue Ball' Cornflowers.

Sow in autumn for early flowers, or spring for summer-long blooms.