Alison Louise is a spring-to-summer sweet pea cultivar that climbs to a full 6 feet, reaching bloom in just 84 days from seed. Hardy from zones 2 to 11, this frost-tolerant variety thrives in full sun with moderate water and flowers reliably from March through August. Its deer resistance and pollinator appeal make it a garden workhorse, while the compact 8-inch spread means you can tuck it into tight spaces along a trellis or fence.
6
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
72in H x 8in W
—
High
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This sweet pea reaches an impressive 6 feet tall while staying narrow enough to fit almost anywhere in the garden. From seed to first flowers in 84 days, it's quick enough for spring planting and fast enough to bloom before midsummer heat. The combination of frost tolerance, deer resistance, and genuine pollinator magnetism means you get fragrant flowers without the typical pest headaches.
Sweet peas are grown primarily for their fragrant cut flowers, which last well in arrangements and bring classic cottage garden charm indoors. The blooms appear in succession over several months, providing a steady supply of cutting material for bouquets and floral displays.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds in deep pots 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Keep soil at 55 to 65°F until seedlings emerge (typically 5 to 30 days). Once seedlings sprout and before the first true leaves unfurl, move them to cold conditions outside to harden off before final planting.
Transplant outdoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost. This timing allows the plants to establish roots before warm weather arrives and bloom as temperatures climb through spring and early summer.
Sow directly outdoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost for the earliest blooms.
Cut sweet pea flowers in the early morning when stems are fully hydrated and blooms are freshly opened but before they wilt in afternoon heat. Pinch or cut flowers regularly throughout the season to encourage more buds to form and extend the blooming period. Remove spent flowers and seed pods to redirect energy toward new blooms rather than seed production.
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