Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
- Classification: Spencer
- Petal Pattern: Flake
- Color Profile: Deep maroon splashes and speckles set against a highly unusual grey ground
- Fragrance: Moderately Scented (Standard Spencer citrus profile)
- Breeder: Dr. Keith Hammett
- Year Introduced: 2012
- Flowering Type: Summer-flowering (requires approximately 12 hours of daylight to initiate blooms)
Overview
'Chocolate Flake' is a dramatic and exceptional modern Spencer sweet pea that immediately draws the eye with its rare color combination. The beautifully ruffled blossoms showcase intense maroon flaking and striping over a highly unusual, cool grey foundation. Because the "flake" pattern distributes pigment evenly on both the front and back of the petals, no two flowers are ever exactly alike. This rich, moody palette and varied texture make it a magnificent, sophisticated focal point for both the garden and cut-flower arrangements.
Growth Habit
Displaying the energetic climbing characteristics typical of the summer-flowering Spencer class, 'Chocolate Flake' is a robust vine that demands a tall, sturdy vertical support system. Providing a framework such as netting, a tall trellis, or a bamboo obelisk will allow the plant to stretch upward naturally and develop the long, straight stems necessary for premium floral design.
Cultivation Notes
To give the plants the best possible start, sow the seeds in deep modular trays (like Rootrainers) to encourage the development of a healthy, downward-reaching taproot. After the risk of frost has passed, transplant the young seedlings into a deeply trenched, well-nourished garden bed. Pinching out the central growing tip when the young vines are a few inches tall will stimulate strong lateral branching. It is critical to maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the warm months to prevent the vines from hardening, and the blossoms must be harvested incessantly. If the plant is allowed to go to seed, it will prematurely shut down the production of new flowers.
Historical Notes
This striking cultivar was bred by the world-renowned contemporary sweet pea specialist, Dr. Keith Hammett of New Zealand, and officially introduced to the commercial market in 2012. Dr. Hammett is globally celebrated for pushing the boundaries of sweet pea genetics to develop entirely new color breaks and innovative patterns, making his introductions highly prized by serious collectors and floral designers alike.
In the Garden
Grown for: Supplying an abundance of dramatically patterned, eye-catching cut flowers for sophisticated bouquets, and adding an element of moody, speckled contrast to mixed borders.
Companion Planting: Due to its intense maroon markings, it creates a breathtaking visual contrast when paired with soft, warm pastels (such as 'Gilly Norah' or 'Heaven Scent'). It can also be blended beautifully with pure whites or solid dark maroons to highlight its distinctive flaked pattern.
