Mr Fothergill's Sweet Pea Old Times Seeds, Fragrant, mauve tinged blooms. Seedlings are best protected against bird damage with a few short twigs. Autumn sowings should be over wintered in cool but frost free conditions.

Sow indoors for surest results, 1.5cm deep, 5 seeds per 12cm pot of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame, greenhouse or cool windowsill. A temperature of 15°C. is ideal. Seedlings usually appear in 12-21 days. Keep moist. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 30cm apart. Support with tall canes or netting. Or sow outdoors for ease, where they are to flower, 1.5cm deep. Sow 2 seeds together every 30cm. Remove weaker seedling, which can then be transplanted. Seeds sown in autumn should be over wintered in cool but frost free conditions, to flower earlier the following year. Pick blooms regularly to prolong flowering season.

• A hardy annual, it can be sown where it is to flower
• A large flowered ‘Spencer’ type with unusual shades
• A vigorous climber, it makes a long lasting cut flower

Sow time: Jan-May, Sep-Oct
Flowering/Harvesting time: May-Oct