Sweet Pea ‘Black Knight’ Seeds – Fragrant Maroon Flowers
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Description
Grow one of the most beautifully scented heritage sweet peas with Sweet Pea 'Black Knight' (Lathyrus odoratus), a traditional Grandiflora variety renowned for its intensely fragrant, deep maroon flowers.
Introduced in 1898 by celebrated sweet pea breeder Henry Eckford, 'Black Knight' has remained a favourite with gardeners who value fragrance above flower size. Unlike modern Spencer sweet peas, which are generally grown for their large, ruffled blooms, this old-fashioned Grandiflora produces smaller, simpler flowers with an exceptionally rich, sweet scent.
The flowers are a stunning deep burgundy-maroon, appearing almost black in the shade and revealing their beautiful red tones in direct sunlight. Just a few stems arranged in a small vase can fill a room with their wonderful fragrance.
Perfect for cottage gardens, climbing supports and fragrant cut flower displays, 'Black Knight' is a sweet pea to grow for pleasure rather than exhibition. Plant it near a seating area to enjoy its scent outdoors, or pick regularly to bring its fragrance into your home.
The secret to continuous flowering is regular picking. Cut the blooms every few days and remove developing seed pods to encourage the plants to keep producing flowers throughout the summer.
Sowing & Growing
WHEN TO SOW: October to November (autumn) or January to March (spring).
SOW: Sow seeds approximately 2cm deep in deep pots or root grower trays. Sweet peas develop long roots and benefit from being grown in containers that minimise root disturbance. Pinch out the growing tips when seedlings have four leaves to encourage branching and bushier plants.
GROW: Plant in a sunny position with rich, deeply cultivated, well-drained soil. Improve the soil with compost or soil improver before planting to encourage strong, healthy growth. Provide a sturdy trellis, obelisk or other climbing support at least 1.8m tall, and tie in new growth regularly.
CARE: Water during dry spells and feed regularly during the growing season. Pick flowers every few days and remove seed pods to prolong flowering.
FLOWERING: Summer, with regular picking.
FLOWER COLOUR: Deep maroon to almost black.
FRAGRANCE: Exceptionally strong, sweet fragrance.
HEIGHT: Approximately 150–180cm.
SPREAD: Approximately 30cm.
PLANT TYPE: Hardy annual (HA), climbing Grandiflora sweet pea.
IMPORTANT: Sweet pea seeds and seed pods are toxic if eaten. These are ornamental sweet peas and are not edible garden peas.
Delivery
The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
