Sweet Pea 'Apricot Queen'

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Solid/Self
• Color Profile: Apricot
• Fragrance: Moderate
• Breeder: E. W. King & Co.
• Year Introduced: 1973
• Flowering Type: Summer-flowering

Overview

'Apricot Queen' is a radiant, solid-colored Spencer sweet pea that graces the garden with its vibrant orange-pink hues. Displaying the quintessential ruffled petals of the Spencer class, this variety brings a warm, luminous glow to both floral arrangements and garden borders.

Growth Habit

As a classic Summer-flowering Spencer, this cultivar is a tall, energetic climber. It necessitates a robust vertical framework—such as a tall trellis, teepee, or netting—to accommodate its vigorous height and to allow the plant to produce its signature long, straight flower stems.

Cultivation Notes

To maximize stem length and overall plant health, initiate seeds in deep Rootrainers and transplant them into deeply trenched, cool earth well before the arrival of hot summer weather. Pinch out the central growing tip when the young plant is a few inches tall to promote strong basal side shoots. Maintain a strict, consistent watering schedule to keep the vines from hardening, and harvest the blooms relentlessly to prevent the plant from setting seed and halting flower production.

Historical Notes

This lovely warm-toned cultivar was developed by the historic seed firm E. W. King & Co. While it was officially released to the horticultural market in 1973, it was previously documented in the National Sweet Pea Society's Annual in 1968.

In the Garden

Grown for: Vibrant cut-flower production, exhibition displays, and adding a pop of bright, sunset-inspired color to garden structures.

Companion Planting: The striking orange-pink tone looks breathtaking when matched with deep, contrasting dark maroons like 'Almost Black', or rich blues. It also harmonizes beautifully with soft creams and pale yellows for a gentle, warm-hued bouquet.