Henry Eckford's strongly-scented flowers appear 4 to a stem. Their color is a bold orange red, shading to salmon. Blooms shine brightest when plants receive afternoon shade. Forms stunning 6-8 ft. tall vines. Doubly striking when planted with Lord Nelson sweet pea. Henry Eckford sweet pea is an heirloom sweet pea introduced in 1904. Named for the most accomplished sweet pea breeder the world has yet known.
Growing Henry Eckford Sweet Pea Seeds
Grow Sweet Peas: Full sun to part shade. Rich, moist, well-drained soil. Protect young seedlings from slugs, snails and birds. For fuller plants, pinch or cut back seedlings when there are 3 to 4 sets of leaves. To promote a longer bloom season, deadhead frequently.
Plant Sweet Pea Seeds: Start seeds in winter or early spring, about 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Prior to sowing, nick the outer seed coating with nail clippers or soak in water for 6 to 8 hours to allow for faster hydration and improved germination. Sow in 4 in. pots, using a seed starting mix, with 2 to 3 seeds per pot. Sow seeds ½ to 1 in. deep, keep out of direct sun. Once germination occurs, provide direct light. With soil temperature kept at 55 to 65°F, germination is in 7 to 21 days. Thin seedlings down to 1 per container about 1 week after germination. Transplant into the garden once soil can be worked and seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of leaves. In mild climates, seeds can be directly sown in fall. Plants grow best with 6 to 12 in. spacing.