Unlocking the Delicate Fragrance of Sweet Peas

The sweet pea, with its ruffled petals in shades of white, pink, purple and more, is treasured not only for its beauty but also its lovely scent. But what exactly does a sweet pea smell like? These flowering vines are famous for their delicate, fresh fragrance that adds to their appeal.

The Alluring Scent of Sweet Peas

Describing the exact smell of sweet peas can be difficult as there are complex layers to their fragrance profile. Overall sweet peas tend to have a sweet, floral scent reminiscent of hyacinths, citrus blossoms, jasmine and rose. There is an airy lightness and youthful freshness to their aroma that is instantly transporting.

Many liken the fragrance of sweet peas to orange blossoms. They have that sweet, heady citrus quality mingled with soft floral notes. That zesty orange scent mixes with a hint of honey and rose for a perfectly balanced perfume.

Others describe the sweet pea fragrance as most similar to violets. Their fragrance is more tart like citrus yet still sweet and flowery. That candied-like scent also features faint undertones of grass and herbs.

Above all, the fragrance of sweet peas is inescapably sweet. But it’s not a heavy or overpowering sweetness. Rather, it’s a tender, youthful, romantic sweetness, like smelling a bouquet of dewy spring flowers.

What Impacts the Scent of Sweet Peas

Several factors influence the fragrance profile and intensity of sweet peas:

• Time of day – The scent is often strongest in the cool of the morning and evening. Heat tends to diminish it.

• Weather – Sweet peas smell stronger on damp, rainy days versus hot, dry weather.

• Variety – Heirloom varieties bred for fragrance like ‘Cupani’ have the most intense scent.

• Age of bloom – Fragrance is most powerful when flowers first open then fades as they mature.

• Nasal fatigue – Our noses get overwhelmed after smelling just a few scents. Take breaks when assessing fragrance.

The Most Fragrant Sweet Pea Varieties

Certain sweet pea varieties are prized for their exceptional fragrance. Some top choices include:

• ‘High Scent’ – Regarded as the benchmark for sweet pea fragrance. Creamy white blooms edged in lavender.

• ‘Royal Wedding’ – Spicy clove and lemon scent. White flowers with bold purple-red margins.

• ‘Heaven Scent’ – Peachy-pink blooms with strong, sweet perfume described as “intoxicating.”

• ‘April in Paris’ – Pretty lavender-blue flowers with a rich, romantic old rose scent.

• ‘Mammoth Choice Mix’ – A diverse mix of colors including some of the most fragrant varieties.

Tips for Maximizing Fragrance

Follow these tips to help your sweet peas reach their full fragrance potential:

• Plant heirloom varieties specially bred for scent like ‘Cupani’, ‘High Scent’ and ‘Heaven Scent’.

• Grow sweet peas in sunny sites protected from wind to encourage fragrant blooms.

• Pick flowers frequently, as scent diminishes with age. Display fresh-cut blooms indoors.

• Sniff sweet peas in the morning and evening when scent is strongest.

• Deeply inhale the fragrance of just 2-3 blooms at a time before taking a break to refresh your nose.

Preserving the Sweet Pea Aroma

Sadly the scent of cut sweet peas lasts only 2-3 days in the vase. But there are ways you can capture and preserve their precious fragrance:

• Dry sweet pea flowers and store in glass jars to release scent.

• Infuse olive oil or vinegar with fresh sweet pea blossoms.

• Add blooms to sugar to make aromatic sweet pea sugar.

• Place blooms in jars of bath salts, lotions, or facial toners to impart scent.

• Put dried sweet peas in sachets to keep linens and clothes smelling fresh.

The Sweet Perfume of a Garden Classic

It’s no wonder sweet peas have been admired since the 1700s – their romantic ruffled blooms and delicate sweet perfume are the stuff of dreams. Take time to appreciate the complex, fleeting scent of these flowers, one of nature’s true delights. With their balance of fruit, floral, and spicy tones, sweet peas offer a timeless fragrance sure to fill your garden with joy.