A Guide to Growing the Stunning Prince of Orange Sweet Pea

The prince of orange sweet pea is one absolutely stunning variety of this classic climbing annual vine With its bicolor blooms in shades of fluorescent orange and pink, it makes a eye-catching addition to any garden Here is some background on this heirloom sweet pea, along with tips to help you successfully grow prince of orange in your own yard.

Overview of Prince of Orange Sweet Pea

• Introduced in 1928 making it an antique heirloom variety
• Originally bred by Morse Seed Company
• A Spencer type sweet pea, meaning it has large, ruffled blooms
• Flowers are bi-colored in bright orange and coral pink
• Blooms heaviest in mid to late spring but continues into summer
• Has a lovely, strong sweet pea fragrance
• Grows up to 6 feet tall as a vining climber

The prince of orange sweet pea makes an outstanding cutting flower with its uniquely colored blooms. It also works nicely planted along a fence or trellis where its flowers can be displayed and enjoyed. Give this vine lots of sun and proper care, and it will reward you with months of eye-catching color and fragrance in the garden.

Growing Conditions for Prince of Orange Sweet Peas

Sweet peas originate from Sicily and enjoy cool moderate climates. Here are the ideal growing conditions to provide for your prince of orange vines

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, fertile, moist but well-draining
• pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
• Temperatures: Prefers cooler temperatures, 60-75°F
• Zone: Annual but perennial in zones 9-11

Make sure to choose an area with full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Sweet peas also appreciate cooler nighttime temperatures around 60°F. This makes them perfect for planting in spring and fall in most zones.

Prepare the soil well by mixing in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Maintaining consistent soil moisture is key – about 1 inch of water per week. Adding mulch around the base of vines helps retain soil moisture.

When to Plant Prince of Orange Sweet Pea

Prince of orange is a hardy annual that can be planted in either spring or fall:

Spring – Plant seeds directly outdoors 3-4 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. You can also start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks earlier and transplant seedlings out after hardening off.

Fall – In warmer climates like zones 9-11, you can sow prince of orange seeds in late summer or early fall for pretty winter blooms.

No matter when you plant, be sure to provide trellising or fencing right away for the vines to climb up. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart.

Growing and Caring for Prince of Orange Vines

Caring for prince of orange sweet peas involves providing consistent moisture, nutrients, and proper support for the rapidly growing vines. Here are some tips:

• Water at the base of plants regularly, especially during dry spells
• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer
• Pinch back tips once vines reach 6 inches to encourage bushy, compact growth
• Install trellises, fencing or other structures for vines to climb right after planting
• Prune spent blooms to prolong flowering into summer months

Common Pests and Diseases

Prince of orange sweet peas are relatively pest and disease free. But here are some potential problems to watch for:

• Aphids – Knock off with water spray or use insecticidal soap
• Slugs/snails – Remove by hand or use iron phosphate bait
• Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage
• Bud drop – Make sure plants get adequate, consistent water

How to Harvest Prince of Orange Sweet Peas

The key to keeping prince of orange blooming all season is to harvest the flowers frequently. Here are some tips:

• Pick blooms when about half of the florets on the stem are open
• Cut stems with sharp scissors or snips in the early morning
• Immediately place in clean water and remove any foliage that would sit below the water line
• Change the water daily and enjoy bouquets for up to 7-10 days

The more you harvest, the more blooms the vines will produce throughout the growing season. So pick away and enjoy these delightfully scented, uniquely colored sweet pea flowers!

Where to Buy Prince of Orange Sweet Pea Seeds

If you want to grow this special antique heirloom sweet pea in your own garden, here are a couple reputable sources for purchasing prince of orange seeds:

• Select Seeds – Specialty heirloom flower seed company selling prince of orange seeds packets.

• Eden Brothers – Popular flower seed seller offering prince of orange sweet pea seeds in various packet sizes.

When shopping for seeds, look for organic, non-GMO options from heirloom seed company sources. Store sweet pea seeds properly in a cool, dry location and they remain viable to plant for 3 years or longer.

Tips for Growing a Successful Sweet Pea Crop

Here are a few more useful tips to help ensure success growing prince of orange or any sweet pea variety:

• Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria to help plants fix nitrogen from the soil
• Sow extra seeds to account for about 70% germination rate
• Cover newly planted seeds with 1/2 inch of fine soil or sand
• Water newly sprouted seedlings daily to keep soil moist but not soggy
• Transplant seedlings gently when they reach about 2 inches tall
• Space vines at least 6 inches apart to allow air circulation
• Mulch around base of vines to retain moisture and keep roots cool

With proper care, your prince of orange sweet pea vines will grow vigorously and reward you with an abundance of stunning bi-colored blooms. Enjoy these fragrant, eye-catching flowers in your garden or as cut flowers in bouquets. Let the prince of orange sweet pea add its royal color to your yard!