{"product_id":"sweet-pea-mars","title":"Sweet Pea 'Mars'","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 Spencer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePetal Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stripe \/ Flake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red striping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unrecorded for the 1996 introduction (Henry Eckford bred the 1895 original)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear Introduced:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1996 (Modern stripe) \/ 1895 (Antique self-color)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long-day \/ summer flowering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name ‘Mars’ applies to a highly attractive, red-striped sweet pea that was introduced to the floral market in 1996. Botanically categorized within the Spencer group, this contemporary vine stands out from many other cultivars because its large seeds are distinctly wrinkled rather than perfectly smooth. It is an outstanding selection for growers who want to introduce vibrant, patterned visual interest into their climbing garden displays or vase arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrue to its Spencer genetics, this modern iteration of ‘Mars’ displays an incredibly vigorous, energetic climbing habit. It yields generously sized blossoms characterized by elegantly ruffled petals, all anchored by a wide, open keel. Because the plant produces long, robust stems, it is a favorite for cut flower harvesting. As a summer-flowering cultivar, it relies on the extended daylight hours of the season—typically twelve hours or more—to initiate its heavy 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 and develop a few pairs of true leaves, you must pinch out the very top growing point. This crucial pruning technique forces the plant to send out sturdy lateral branches from its base, ultimately creating a much thicker and more productive vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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\u003eThere is a fascinating dual history attached to the name ‘Mars’ within the sweet pea world. The original namesake was released in 1895 by the renowned nineteenth-century breeder Henry Eckford. That antique flower was a solid, bright crimson-scarlet variety with a hooded shape that famously transitioned into a purplish tone as the bloom matured. While subsequent introductions, such as ‘Salopian’, improved upon that solid crimson color, the ‘Mars’ moniker was eventually resurrected a full century later. In 1996, the name was assigned to the modern, red-striped Spencer cultivar that we grow today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIn the Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Mars’ is often grown for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding bold, striped accents to floral arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous, long-stemmed cut flower production\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEye-catching, patterned displays on garden trellises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompanion Planting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo emphasize its dramatic red striping, this cultivar pairs spectacularly with pristine white sweet peas, creating a crisp, high-contrast bouquet. In mixed floral designs, it harmonizes beautifully with flat, lacy umbel-flowers like bishop's lace (\u003cem\u003eDaucus carota\u003c\/em\u003e) or the airy, textured sprigs of creeping baby's breath (\u003cem\u003eGypsophila repens\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sweet Pea Gardens LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50710761210093,"sku":"qri1789784177295","price":4.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/2832\/4333\/files\/sweet-pea-mars_1.jpg?v=1789784181","url":"https:\/\/coraltonefit.shop\/products\/sweet-pea-mars","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}