Sweet Pea ‘Leamington’ Seeds

Large, deeply waved, frilly flowers that resemble crushed silk in a clear, rich lavender-lilac. This award-winning exhibition variety produces exceptionally long, straight stems and a powerful traditional perfume, making it a decades-long staple for both the competition bench and the cottage garden.

Sweet Pea ‘Leamington’ is a famous ‘Spencer’ type variety known for producing large, deeply waved, frilly flowers that resemble crushed silk in a clear, rich lavender-lilac colour. Unlike many modern show varieties that prioritise size over fragrance, ‘Leamington’ retains a strong scent and produces exceptionally long, straight stems, often with four blooms per stem, making it ideal for cutting.

Because it holds its vibrant lavender colour without fading in the sun, it has remained a staple on the competition bench for decades. It is a vigorous climber, reaching heights of up to 2.4m, and holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) for its consistent performance and superior flower quality.

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Understanding the Plant

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Leamington’ is a Hardy Annual (H3). It is the gold standard for lavender Sweet Peas, combining the ruffled elegance of the Spencer group with a vigorous growth habit that makes it suitable for both the garden border and the exhibitor’s bench.

A Scented Classic: While some modern hybrids sacrifice scent for larger blooms, ‘Leamington’ remains one of the most fragrant lavender varieties available. Its perfume is sweet and traditional, making it a “must-have” for a sensory-focused cottage garden.

RHS Excellence: This variety is a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, confirmation that it is robust, reliable, and perfectly adapted to the British climate. It consistently produces high-quality stems and flowers year after year.

Growing Guide

Sweet Peas are famously rewarding, but they are “hungry” plants that require a little preparation to reach their full potential.

How to Sow:
Autumn Sowing (Best): Sow in October or November in deep pots or root trainers to accommodate their long taproots. Overwinter in a cold frame for the strongest plants and earlier flowers. Spring Sowing: Sow indoors from January to March. Sow seeds 1cm deep in moist compost; keep cool (approx 15C) as excessive heat can actually inhibit germination. Germination typically takes 10-21 days.

Where to Plant:
Plant out in late March or April once the soil is workable. They demand full sun and a sheltered spot with sturdy supportthink bamboo wigwams, trellis, or netting. Dig in well-rotted manure or compost before planting to provide the nutrients they crave.

Ongoing Care:
The Pinch: When the plants reach 10cm, pinch out the top growing tip to encourage side-shoots. The Golden Rule: Harvest flowers every 2 days and remove all seed pods immediately. If the plant is allowed to set seed, it will stop producing flowers. Feed weekly with high-potash fertiliser (tomato feed) once buds appear.

Plant Specifications

Beautiful Garden Combinations

The clear lavender of ‘Leamington’ provides a versatile backdrop for cool-toned cottage borders. Try these pairings from our website :

• Aquilegia ‘Blue’ (Granny’s Bonnet): The Cool Palette. The intricate powder-blue and white spurs of Aquilegia bloom at the same time as early Sweet Peas, creating a harmonious, shimmering lavender-blue display that is quintessential English cottage garden.
• Cosmos ‘Purity’: The Ethereal Mix. The large white saucer-shaped blooms of Cosmos provide a clean, fresh contrast that makes the rich lavender of ‘Leamington’ appear even more vibrant.

Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in autumn for early flowers, or spring for summer-long blooms.

Safety First
Sweet Pea seeds look very similar to edible garden peas, but they are mildly toxic if eaten. Please keep them away from children and pets.

RHS Award of Garden Merit

Sweet Pea ‘Leamington’ is a recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit. This confirms its status as a reliable, high-performance plant perfectly suited to the British climate.

Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Sweet Peas