Sweet Pea Grandiflora 'Lord Nelson'

'Lord Nelson' (also known as 'Black Knight') is an old-fashioned Grandiflora Sweet Pea that dates back to the late 19th century. It remains a favourite in the UK for its incredible depth of colour and powerful fragrance. The flowers are a dark, velvety maroon-purple that appears almost black in certain lights. While the stems are shorter and the flowers smaller than modern Spencer types, the sheer volume of blooms and the strength of their scent are hard to beat. It is a hardy annual climber, reaching about 1.8m, and thrives in the cool, moist conditions of a British spring. To get the best from 'Lord Nelson', sow seeds in deep pots in October or March and plant out into heavily manured soil. Regular picking is essential—the more you cut the flowers, the more the plant will produce. This variety is perfect for a traditional 'cottage garden' look and for bringing intense perfume into the home.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.