Fabulous colour combination of crimson with a blue picotee edging which spreads over the petals as the flower matures. Lathyrus grandiflorus Fire and Ice is one of the most vigorous and highly scented of the old-fashioned grandiflora sweet pea types and enjoys much success in gardens across the UK.
Sow seeds from October to January indoors, or March to April outdoors. Soak seeds overnight in warm water before sowing, 1cm (½in) deep, 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3in) pot, or into root trainers 1-2 seeds per cell, in free draining, damp seed compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light. Spring sowings can be sown outdoors, 2.5cm (1in) deep, in drills 7.5cm (3in) apart.
Overwinter October sown plants in cooler conditions such as a coldframe before planting out in spring, when the ground has warmed, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart. Pinch out growing point once the second pair of leaves has opened.
Water freely in dry weather and apply well rotted manure occasionally. Remove faded flowers regularly.
Harmful if eaten