{"product_id":"sweet-pea-black-knight","title":"Sweet Pea ‘Black Knight’ Seeds – Fragrant Maroon Flowers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow one of the most beautifully scented heritage sweet peas with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSweet Pea 'Black Knight' (Lathyrus odoratus)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a traditional Grandiflora variety renowned for its intensely fragrant, deep maroon flowers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduced 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfect for cottage gardens, climbing supports and fragrant cut flower displays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, '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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSowing \u0026amp; Growing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHEN TO SOW:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e October to November (autumn) or January to March (spring).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSOW:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sow seeds approximately 2cm deep in deep pots or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/naturalgrower.co.uk\/collections\/seeds_accessories_plants\/products\/nutley-s-extra-large-plug-plant-root-grower-select-cells-and-quantity\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eroot grower trays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGROW:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCARE:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Water during dry spells and feed regularly during the growing season. Pick flowers every few days and remove seed pods to prolong flowering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFLOWERING:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Summer, with regular picking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFLOWER COLOUR:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Deep maroon to almost black.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFRAGRANCE:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Exceptionally strong, sweet fragrance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHEIGHT:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 150–180cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSPREAD:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 30cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePLANT TYPE:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hardy annual (HA), climbing Grandiflora sweet pea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIMPORTANT:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sweet pea seeds and seed pods are toxic if eaten. These are ornamental sweet peas and are not edible garden peas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55795492356423,"sku":"SWP-BLK","price":2.86,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0859\/7051\/8343\/files\/sweet-pea-black-knight.jpg?v=1794304987","url":"https:\/\/naturalgrower.co.uk\/products\/sweet-pea-black-knight","provider":"Natural Grower","version":"1.0","type":"link"}