Sweet Pea 'Almost Black'

At a Glance

Sweet Pea ‘Almost Black’

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Modern Grandiflora
• Petal Pattern: Solid / Self-color
• Color Profile: Deep maroon-purple appearing nearly black
• Fragrance: Voluminous, exotic scent with earthy undertones and neroli notes
• Breeder: Dr. Keith Hammett
• Year Introduced: 2009
• Flowering Type: Summer-flowering (Long-day)

Overview

Introduced in 2009 by the distinguished New Zealand plant breeder Dr. Keith Hammett, this moody cultivar is widely regarded as one of the most vital hybrid introductions of the 2000s. It produces delicate, exceptionally dark maroon-purple flowers that approach a true black hue. Beyond its dramatic visual appeal, it is highly treasured for its captivating scent, offering a billowy, oriental-style perfume grounded by an earthy body and distinct traces of neroli.

Growth Habit

Botanically categorized as a Modern Grandiflora, this plant exhibits a more moderate and manageable climbing habit rather than overpowering vertical growth. It is especially prized for its strong tendency to branch out, creating a generous canopy of side shoots that make it a highly productive vine for floral work. As a summer-flowering selection, it relies on the longer daylight hours of the season—typically twelve hours or more—to trigger its prolific blooming cycle.

Cultivation Notes

To encourage the deepest and healthiest root systems, seeds should be sown in tall, narrow containers rather than shallow flats. Once the young vines reach a few inches in height, you must pinch out the very top growing point to force the plant to send out sturdy lateral branches from its base. Because dark, velvety petals can occasionally be sensitive to intense sunlight, you may want to utilize light shading over your trellises during the hottest periods to protect the blooms from burning. Because planting schedules depend entirely on your specific climate, remember to utilize our Custom Zip-Code Planting Tool to determine the absolute best week to sow your seeds.

Historical Notes

Originating from Dr. Hammett's dedicated breeding program, this variety was officially released to the horticultural market in 2009. In the years following its introduction, the seed trade occasionally circulated this exact same genetic stock under different commercial synonyms, most notably selling it under the names 'Liquorice' (distributed by Yates) and 'Little Black Dress' (distributed by Denney). It stands as a triumph of contemporary breeding, successfully combining the intense, complex fragrance of antique varieties with entirely novel, deep colorations.

In the Garden

‘Almost Black’ is frequently grown for:

• Providing dramatic, dark accents for mixed floral arrangements
• Filling garden spaces with a powerful, exotic perfume
• Yielding a high volume of florist-ready stems due to its exceptionally well-branched nature

Companion Planting Notes

To maximize the visual impact of its deep maroon-purple blossoms, pair this cultivar with vivid, clear pinks (such as 'Pink Nines') or crisp whites to create a stunning high-contrast display. In mixed bouquets, it harmonizes beautifully with flat, lacy umbel-flowers like bishop's lace (Daucus carota) or the airy, textured sprigs of annual baby's breath (Gypsophila elegans).