Cultivate vibrant Sweet Pea Prince of Orange blooms effortlessly and transform your garden into a colorful paradise!
Prince of orange sweet peas are one of the most striking and unique varieties of this classic climbing annual vine. With their vibrant bicolor blooms in shades of fluorescent orange and pink they make an eye-catching addition to any garden.
Overview of Prince of Orange Sweet Peas
Prince of orange sweet peas have an interesting history:
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They were first introduced in 1928, making them an antique heirloom variety.
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The flowers feature ruffled, Spencer-type blooms, meaning they are large and showy.
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The blooms are bi-colored, with bright, vivid orange and softer coral pink hues
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They have a lovely, strong fragrance, typical of sweet peas.
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The vines can grow up to 6 feet tall as they climb and spread.
With their incredibly colorful flowers and wonderful scent, it’s easy to see why prince of orange has remained a garden favorite for close to a century. The blooms make fantastic cuts flowers with their unique bicolor pattern. When grown on a trellis or fence, they create a cascade of eye-catching color in borders or beds.
Growing Conditions for Prince of Orange Sweet Peas
Since sweet peas originate from the island of Sicily they prefer similar conditions
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Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Rich, fertile, and moist but well-draining
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pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
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Temperatures: Cooler temperatures from 60-75°F
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Zone: Grown as an annual, but perennial in zones 9-11
Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sweet peas also appreciate cooler evenings around 60°F, making spring and fall ideal planting times in most zones.
Prepare soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Maintaining consistent soil moisture is critical, about 1 inch of water per week. Adding mulch helps conserve moisture at the roots.
When to Plant Prince of Orange Sweet Peas
You can sow prince of orange seeds in either spring or fall:
Spring Planting
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Direct sow seeds outdoors 3-4 weeks before your expected last frost date.
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For a head start, begin seeds indoors 4-6 weeks prior, then transplant seedlings outside after hardening off.
Fall Planting
- In warmer zones 9-11, plant seeds in late summer/early fall for pretty winter blooms.
No matter when you sow, set up trellises, fencing, or other climbing supports right after planting. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart.
Growing and Caring for Prince of Orange Vines
Caring for prince of orange vines includes:
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Watering regularly at the soil level, especially during dry periods.
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Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.
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Pinching back vine tips once they reach 6 inches to encourage bushy, compact growth.
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Installing climbing structures like trellises and guiding vines up as they grow.
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Deadheading spent blooms to extend flowering into summer.
Potential Pests and Diseases
Prince of orange vines are relatively pest and disease resistant. But watch for:
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Aphids – Knock off with water or use insecticidal soap.
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Slugs/snails – Remove by hand or bait with iron phosphate.
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Powdery mildew – Improve air flow and avoid wetting foliage.
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Bud drop – Ensure vines get consistent soil moisture.
Harvesting Prince of Orange Sweet Peas
To maximize blooms all season:
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Pick flowers when about half the florets on the stem are open.
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Use sharp scissors or snips to cut stems in early morning.
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Immediately place in clean water, removing any foliage below water line.
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Change the water daily and enjoy bouquets for 7-10 days.
Frequently harvesting encourages vines to continuously produce new flowers all season long.
Where to Buy Prince of Orange Sweet Pea Seeds
You can find prince of orange seeds from reputable heirloom seed sellers like:
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Select Seeds – Offers organic, non-GMO prince of orange seed packets.
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Eden Brothers – Sells various packet sizes of these heirloom sweet pea seeds.
When stored properly in a cool, dry place, sweet pea seeds remain viable for planting for 3 years or longer.
Growing a Successful Sweet Pea Crop
Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of prince of orange or any sweet pea variety:
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Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria to aid in nitrogen fixation.
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Sow extra seeds to account for 70% average germination rate.
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Cover newly planted seeds with 1⁄2 inch of soil or sand.
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Water seedlings daily until they sprout and establish.
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Space vines at least 6 inches apart for good air flow.
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Mulch around vines to conserve moisture and keep roots cooler.
With proper care, you can enjoy vigorous, colorful prince of orange vines covered in uniquely stunning flowers. Try adding these fragrant beauties to your garden or cut flower arrangements!
Plants to Avoid
While some plants thrive together, others can hinder growth. Avoid planting onions and garlic near your sweet peas, as they can inhibit their development and overall health.
By selecting the right companions, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem that benefits all your plants. Next, lets explore the potential toxicity of Sweet Pea Prince of Orange to humans.
All parts of the Sweet Pea Prince of Orange are considered toxic. This includes the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds.
Best Companion Plants
When growing Sweet Pea Prince of Orange, consider these excellent companions:
- Nasturtiums: Their vibrant flowers attract beneficial insects while deterring pests.
- Marigolds: Known for their pest-repelling properties, they can help protect your sweet peas.
- Carrots: These root vegetables share similar care needs and can thrive alongside sweet peas.
How to Grow Sweet Peas
FAQ
What is Sweetpea Prince of Orange?
| Colour | Yellow/Orange |
|---|---|
| Number of seeds | 10 seeds, 50 seeds |
| Flower type | Spencer |
| Scent | 3 |
| Pattern | Solid |
What is the pea flower prince of orange?
Bred by Morse in 1928, This lovely orange sweet pea has a pink blush to the opalescent petals. An old fragrant grandiflora, rare today, it needs the attention of gardeners to survive until its 100th birthday and beyond! Caution: Poisonous.
What is the strongest scented sweet pea?
Said to be the most powerfully scented sweet pea available, ‘Matucana’ has small, but powerfully scented bi-coloured flowers. Not to be confused with the very similar (and equally fragrant) variety ‘Cupani’.
Do sweet pea flowers come back every year?
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Annual Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus):These are the fragrant, climbing sweet peas that are popular for their vibrant colors and strong scent. They complete their life cycle in one growing season, meaning they sprout from seed, grow, flower, produce seed, and then die back, typically in the fall or winter.
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Perennial Sweet Peas (Lathyrus latifolius):Also known as everlasting sweet peas, these are a different species that are not as fragrant as the annuals. They are hardy and will return each year, often blooming in late spring or summer.
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Key Differences:
- Life Cycle: Annuals die back after one season, while perennials return year after year.
- Fragrance: Annuals are known for their strong, sweet scent, while perennials have little to no fragrance.
- Appearance: Perennials are often bushy rather than climbing, and their flowers are smaller and less ruffled than those of the annuals.
- Life Cycle: Annuals die back after one season, while perennials return year after year.