Sweet Pea - Darcey Bussell This is a sweetly scented, hardy annual variety with elegant blooms of delightful Spencer type flakes. It is large-flowered and deliciously scented, reaching the height of 180cm. Sow indoors for surest results, in January-March or September-October, 1.5cm deep, 5 seeds per 12cm pot of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame, greenhouse or on a cool windowsill. A temperature of 15°C is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 12-21 days. Pinch out the growing tip, when two pairs of leaves have formed, to encourage bushy growth. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into well-drained soil in March-May, 30cm apart. Support with tall canes or netting. Or, sow outdoors for ease in April-May, where they are to flower, 1.5cm deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Sow 2 seeds together, every 30cm. Remove weaker seedling, which can then be transplanted. Seeds sown in autumn generally flower earlier the following year. Flowers from May to October. Pick blooms regularly to prolong the flowering season.
