Sweet Pea 'Blue Velvet'

At a Glance

Sweet Pea ‘Blue Velvet’

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Solid / Self-color
• Color Profile: Dark violet-blue
• Fragrance: Mild to moderate
• Breeder: Unwins
• Year Introduced: 1972
• Flowering Type: Summer-flowering (Long-day)

Overview

Released to the horticultural community in 1972 by the prominent British seed company Unwins, this rich, deep blue cultivar has rightfully earned a reputation as a highly dependable classic. Showcasing intense violet-blue tones, it is beloved by florists and home gardeners alike for its exceptional performance in floral arrangements and its incredibly prolific blooming cycle.

Growth Habit

As a traditional Spencer type, this plant demonstrates a highly energetic, tall-climbing growth pattern. It is especially celebrated for generating a generous abundance of blossoms on sturdy stems, making it a superb candidate for the vase. Because it belongs to the summer-blooming category, it requires the extended daylight hours of the season—typically twelve hours or more—to successfully initiate its heavy flowering phase.

Cultivation Notes

To guarantee the most robust and deeply penetrating root system, you should always start your seeds in tall, narrow cells or root-trainers rather than shallow trays. When your young vines grow to approximately four to six inches in height, it is highly beneficial to snip off the uppermost growing point. This critical pruning technique forces the plant to send out multiple strong lateral vines from its base, resulting in a sturdier, higher-yielding canopy.

Because local climates dictate the best planting schedule, remember to consult our Custom Zip-Code Planting Tool to determine the perfect sowing week for your specific region.

Historical Notes

Emerging from the prestigious Unwins breeding program, this variety first appeared in their autumn catalogs in 1971 before its official commercial release the following year. In the decades since its introduction, it has successfully maintained its status as a highly trusted, enduring favorite for growers seeking a consistent and deeply colored blue Spencer.

In the Garden

‘Blue Velvet’ is frequently grown for:

• Supplying reliable, long-stemmed violet-blue cuts for commercial and home floristry
• Producing a remarkably high volume of blooms due to its vigorous nature
• Adding intense, cool-toned accents to garden walls and trellises

Companion Planting Notes

The striking dark blue petals of this variety look absolutely magnificent when placed next to crisp white sweet peas (such as 'King White' or 'White Ensign') for a sharp, high-contrast display. In mixed floral designs, these deep violet-blue blooms harmonize wonderfully with airy, delicate fillers like annual baby's breath (Gypsophila elegans) or the flat, structural heads of bishop's lace (Daucus carota).