{"product_id":"sweet-pea-almost-black","title":"Sweet Pea 'Almost Black'","description":"\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLathyrus odoratus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Modern Grandiflora\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePetal Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid \/ Self-color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep maroon-purple appearing nearly black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Voluminous, exotic scent with earthy undertones and neroli notes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dr. Keith Hammett\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear Introduced:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2009\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer-flowering (Long-day)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced in 2009 by the distinguished New Zealand plant breeder Dr. Keith Hammett, this moody cultivar is widely regarded as one of the most vital hybrid introductions of the 2000s. It produces delicate, exceptionally dark maroon-purple flowers that approach a true black hue. Beyond its dramatic visual appeal, it is highly treasured for its captivating scent, offering a billowy, oriental-style perfume grounded by an earthy body and distinct traces of neroli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanically categorized as a Modern Grandiflora, this plant exhibits a more moderate and manageable climbing habit rather than overpowering vertical growth. It is especially prized for its strong tendency to branch out, creating a generous canopy of side shoots that make it a highly productive vine for floral work. As a summer-flowering selection, it relies on the longer daylight hours of the season—typically twelve hours or more—to trigger its prolific blooming cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCultivation Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo encourage the deepest and healthiest root systems, seeds should be sown in tall, narrow containers rather than shallow flats. Once the young vines reach a few inches in height, you must pinch out the very top growing point to force the plant to send out sturdy lateral branches from its base. Because dark, velvety petals can occasionally be sensitive to intense sunlight, you may want to utilize light shading over your trellises during the hottest periods to protect the blooms from burning. Because planting schedules depend entirely on your specific climate, remember to utilize our Custom Zip-Code Planting Tool to determine the absolute best week to sow your seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginating from Dr. Hammett's dedicated breeding program, this variety was officially released to the horticultural market in 2009. In the years following its introduction, the seed trade occasionally circulated this exact same genetic stock under different commercial synonyms, most notably selling it under the names 'Liquorice' (distributed by Yates) and 'Little Black Dress' (distributed by Denney). It stands as a triumph of contemporary breeding, successfully combining the intense, complex fragrance of antique varieties with entirely novel, deep colorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIn the Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Almost Black’ is frequently grown for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProviding dramatic, dark accents for mixed floral arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFilling garden spaces with a powerful, exotic perfume\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYielding a high volume of florist-ready stems due to its exceptionally well-branched nature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompanion Planting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo maximize the visual impact of its deep maroon-purple blossoms, pair this cultivar with vivid, clear pinks (such as 'Pink Nines') or crisp whites to create a stunning high-contrast display. In mixed bouquets, it harmonizes beautifully with flat, lacy umbel-flowers like bishop's lace (\u003cem\u003eDaucus carota\u003c\/em\u003e) or the airy, textured sprigs of annual baby's breath (\u003cem\u003eGypsophila elegans\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sweet Pea Gardens LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50710749282541,"sku":"yyz1789783755792","price":4.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/2832\/4333\/files\/sweet-pea-almost-black_1.jpg?v=1789783759","url":"https:\/\/coraltonefit.shop\/products\/sweet-pea-almost-black","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}