Sweetpea – “Queen of the Night”

Dramatic heirloom sweet peas in deep, velvety maroon with rich old-fashioned fragrance

Sweet Pea Heritage Queen of the Night is a striking heirloom variety prized for its intense perfume and luxurious, deep maroon to near-black blooms. The richly coloured, beautifully ruffled flowers create dramatic contrast in the garden and make exceptionally moody, romantic bouquets. A true classic for cottage gardens and anyone who loves bold colour paired with unforgettable scent.

🌿 Growing Conditions

✅ Plant Size

Height: 150–200 cm (climbing vine)
Spread: 30–45 cm

✅ Climate

Thrives in cool to mild seasons.
Best suited to most regions of South Africa during the cooler months.
Performs best in spring and early summer before extreme heat sets in.

✅ Soil Requirements

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5).
Improve sandy or poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure for best results.

✅ Sunlight Needs

Full sun to light shade.
Afternoon shade is beneficial in warmer regions.

🌱 Planting Instructions

✅ Best Planting Time

Autumn (March–May) in mild winter areas.
Late winter to early spring (July–August) in colder regions.

✅ Sowing Seeds

Seed Preparation:
Soak seeds in water for 6–12 hours before sowing to improve germination.

Direct Sowing:
Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in prepared soil.

Seed Trays:
Can be started in deep trays or pots and transplanted carefully.

Spacing: 20–30 cm apart
Germination Time: 10–21 days at 15–20 °C

✅ Support

Essential – provide trellis, netting, or wire early to encourage straight, strong growth.

💧 Watering & Fertilisation

✅ Watering

Water regularly, especially during flowering.
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

✅ Fertilisation

At Planting: Work compost into the soil.
During Growth: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser.
Avoid excess nitrogen – it promotes leaves over flowers.

✅ Mulching

Mulch lightly to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.

🐛 Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests

Aphids & Thrips – treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Slugs & Snails – protect young seedlings.

✅ Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew – ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering.
Root Rot – plant in free-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

🌸 Flowering & Maintenance

✅ Bloom Time

Late winter to early summer, depending on planting time.

✅ Picking & Pruning

Pick flowers regularly – the more you pick, the more it blooms.
Remove seed pods promptly to extend flowering.

✅ Fragrance

Strong, classic sweet-pea scent – sweet, rich and beautifully nostalgic.

🌿 Garden Uses & Companion Planting

✅ Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with pale pinks, creams and whites for contrast.
Complements other cool-season annuals in cottage-style gardens.

✅ Best Uses

Trellises, arches, fences, cut-flower gardens, and dramatic borders.
Exceptional for bold, romantic bouquets and indoor vases.

Why Grow Sweet Pea ‘Heritage Queen of the Night’?

🌸 Deep, velvety maroon heirloom blooms
🌿 Vigorous climber with long flowering season
✂️ One of the most dramatic and fragrant cut flowers
🐝 Attracts bees and beneficial insects

Order your Sweet Pea Heritage Queen of the Night seeds today and add rich colour, scent and timeless romance to your garden. 🌺✨