The mammoth salmon cream sweet pea is one of the most beloved heirloom varieties for its massive, scented blooms in a unique bicolor blend. These prolific climbers add incredible beauty and fragrance to any garden. Read on to learn all about growing these stunning sweet peas for maximum flowers.
Overview of Mammoth Salmon Cream Sweet Peas
Botanically known as Lathyrus odoratus ‘Mammoth Salmon Cream’, this variety has been popular with growers since its introduction in the 1980s. It’s an early flowering type that produces clusters of huge, ruffled blooms in a pastel mix of salmon-pink and creamy white. The two-tone color pattern is eye-catching in bouquets.
People also love how strongly and traditionally these sweet peas smell. The vines are strong climbers that can reach 6 to 8 feet tall if they are supported properly. Give them room to grow, and they’ll give you lots of long-lasting cut flowers all season.
Growing Conditions for Mammoth Salmon Cream Sweet Peas
While beautiful. mammoth salmon cream sweet peas do require some specific conditions to thrive
- Hardiness: Grow as annuals in zones 2-11 nationwide
- Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sun daily
- Soil: Moist, fertile soil that drains well
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, avoid soggy conditions
- Fertilizer: Use balanced fertilizer at planting and again midseason
- Supports: Sturdy trellises, netting, fences, etc.
- Temperatures: Cool conditions, ideal temps are 60-75°F
Give them a spot with morning sun to prevent heat stress in hot climates. Shelter from strong winds can also prevent damage to vines and flowers.
How to Plant Mammoth Salmon Cream Sweet Pea Seeds
You can start seeds indoors or direct sow into your garden:
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Indoors: Start 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Soak seeds for 24 hours, then plant them in seed starting mix 1/2 inch deep. Grow at 65°F under lights. Harden off before transplanting outside after danger of frost passes.
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Outdoors: Direct sow 3-4 weeks before your expected last spring frost when soil reaches 60°F. Soak seeds overnight first. Plant 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows. Cover lightly and water gently. Thin seedlings.
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Containers: Put wet potting mix that has been mixed with compost or fertilizer into pots or planters. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot, thin to leave one seedling. Add supports as vines grow taller.
Caring for Mammoth Salmon Cream Sweet Peas
Keep your vines healthy and floriferous with proper care:
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Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week to maintain even soil moisture.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
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Install climbing supports like trellises when plants reach 4-6 inches tall.
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Pinch off tips once vines are 6-12 inches tall to encourage bushy, branching growth habit.
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Pick flowers frequently to promote more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers.
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Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent heat stress.
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Protect young plants from slugs, snails, deer and other pests.
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Remove spent vines at the end of the season as annuals.
Maximizing Flower Production
Follow these tips for the most abundant flowers:
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They will grow the longest if you direct sow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
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Choose a site with morning sun and shelter from harsh winds.
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Amend soil with aged compost or manure to improve fertility.
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Add supports early before vines start sprawling.
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Maintain even, consistent soil moisture especially when blooming.
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Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage more flowers.
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Cut flowers frequently to stimulate more bud production.
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Interplant with cool weather annuals like pansies and snapdragons.
Harvesting Flowers for Bouquets
Enjoy these elegant blooms indoors by cutting and conditioning properly:
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Pick blooms when they are 3⁄4 open, in the morning if possible.
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Use very sharp floral shears or scissors for clean cuts that won’t crush stems.
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Immediately place cut stems in water, out of direct sunlight.
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Strip off any leaves, tendrils or spent blooms below the waterline.
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Recut stems and replace water every 2-3 days. Expect 5-7 days in a vase.
Common Problems With Mammoth Salmon Cream Sweet Peas
When provided with suitable growing conditions, these sweet peas are relatively trouble-free. But watch for these potential issues:
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Powdery mildew, leaf spots and other fungal diseases, especially in cool, damp conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage.
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Pests like aphids, slugs, snails, etc. Check undersides of leaves and apply organic insecticidal soap as needed.
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Failure to bloom due to over-fertilization, overwatering, heat stress or insufficient sunlight.
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Early vine decline due to root rot from overly moist soil. Allow soil to dry partially between waterings.
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Leggy, sparse flowering vines often means lack of support or inadequate pinching and pruning.
FAQs About Growing Mammoth Salmon Cream Sweet Peas
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What does the Mammoth Salmon Cream sweet pea look like?
It has very large, ruffled blooms in a striking blend of pastel salmon-pink and creamy white, about 2 inches across.
How tall do Mammoth Salmon Cream sweet peas grow?
The vigorous vines can reach heights of 6-8 feet in a single season when provided with proper climbing supports and care. Expect a spreading, bushy growth habit.
Is Mammoth Salmon Cream a perennial sweet pea variety?
No, it is normally grown as a fast-growing annual vine even in mild winter climates. You can save seeds at the end of the season to replant for reliable blooms each year.
What’s the best method for starting Mammoth Salmon Cream sweet pea seeds?
Most gardeners prefer direct sowing into the garden several weeks before the expected last spring frost for their location. But you can also start seeds indoors or in pots for a head start.
How often should you water sweet peas like Mammoth Salmon Cream?
Sweet peas need consistent soil moisture, especially during hot weather and when actively blooming. Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week if rain is lacking to maintain even moisture. Avoid overly soggy soil.
The Perfect Heirloom Sweet Pea for Cut Flowers
With its incredibly beautiful bicolor blooms and vigorous growth habit, Mammoth Salmon Cream is one of the most stunning sweet pea varieties for vertical gardens. Give this prolific climber the right conditions and it will reward you with armloads of fragrant cut flowers all season long. Add this heirloom beauty to your garden for unbeatable floral displays and bouquets.
Can I use grass clippings in my vegetable garden?
Yes, grass clippings can be an excellent source of nutrients for your vegetable garden. Just be sure to follow the recommended practices and avoid using clippings from lawns treated with chemicals.
Can I use grass clippings from a lawn that has been treated with chemicals?
It’s best to avoid using grass clippings from lawns that have been treated with herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals can potentially harm your plants and soil organisms.