We often asked which Sweet Peas we would recommend for growing in patio pots or hanging baskets. The answer has been that there none are truly suitable. Spencers and Grandifloras are fine if using a wigwam in a large pot but do need space to climb and Cupid is really compact and never really trails in a basket properly.
When our Sweet Pea trial came into flower last summer we were really excited therefore, to see that one of the new varieties we were looking at had all the attributes of the perfect patio Sweet Pea. The plants grew strongly to about 3 feet tall and became covered, top to bottom, in large spencer like blooms borne on strong 6-9in stems. Although grown up netting we the plants had sufficient strength in the stems to partially support themselves. There was certainly some fragrance although we could not say this was strong.
We were confident that we were looking at a big improvement on other patio types and immediately commissioned a crop of seed.
Now we are delighted to launch Patio Perfect. Plant it in patio pots supported, if you like, by a couple of short canes or grow it unsupported either in troughs or in a border, letting it scramble and just do it's own thing.
Or you could follow us and plant in hanging baskets, we've not seen it grown this way but feel sure it will have enough strength to fill the centre of the basket yet be lax enough to tumble over the sides - and there will certainly be plenty of flowers.
