700 Bulletin 320 



The dense foliage and growth of the plants make a thick carpet over 

 the surface of the ground, and in a wet season the result is usually failure. 

 The flower buds drop off and the plants do not thrive even if they do 

 not become subject to disease. The foregoing reasons explain why this 

 type has not been very successful in English gardens. 



In California, where the summers are long and dry, the cupid sweet 

 peas thrive. During hot, dry summers in the Eastern States, when the 

 tall varieties are subjected to very trying conditions, the cupid sweet 

 peas grow and bloom abundantly. In 19 10, ten 20-foot rows of different 

 varieties of the dwarf type were grown at this station. When the tall 

 kinds were having a struggle with the drought under a temperatiire of 

 ninety degrees or more, the cupids, in the highest and driest position in 

 the field, grew and blossomed profusely. They were admired by all who 

 saw them and many questions were asked as to what they were, whether 

 they were of recent introduction (new), and where they could be 

 obtained. 



The conditions necessary for the successful culture of the dwarf sweet 

 peas appear to be a rather dry, moderately rich soil, a dry, hot season, 

 good cultivation, and prompt removal of the withered flowers and pods. 

 The seed may be sown in single rows, twin rows, or scattered in a broad 

 drill ten or twelve inches in width. For the purposes mentioned the 

 distinct colors are preferred. Among the best varieties are White, Pink 

 (Blanche Ferry Cupid), Countess of Radnor, and Prima Donna. 



GARDEN CULTURE OF THE SWEET PEA 



The soil 



Site. — An open, sunny location should be chosen, so as to provide 

 plenty of light and air. Plants grown in too shady a position are weak 

 and spindling in growth, producing few flowers. A little shade from the 

 scorching, midday suns of July and August is desirable, especially for 

 preserving certain colors. 



Any ordinary garden soil is suitable for sweet peas, provided it is 

 sufficiently drained so that in periods of excessive rains the water will 

 not lie on the surface, causing the plants to become yellow and the roots 

 to decay, or starting mildew. Soil suitable for the growing of vegetables 

 will give fairly good results, but extra care in the selection and preparation 

 of the soil will be repaid in larger flowers, longer stems, better colors, and 

 a longer blooming period. 



Preparation. — The sweet pea is a deep-rooting plant, and in order to 

 provide suitable conditions so that the effects of drought are overcome 

 the preparation must be deep and thorough. 



