Notes on Sweet Peas.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 1, 4 January 1908, Page 22

Notes on Sweet Peas.

For those who planted early this has been a good season for sweet peas. By early planting we mean autumn sowing, either in the open or in frames, boxes or pots. We are afraid, however, that with the continued dry weather there will be no second crop unless water in abundance is available, latte sown sweet peas will, we fear, be very poor this season. A large number of new varieties have been put in commerce, and. speaking in a general way, they are. in the majority of instances an improvement on existing sorts, and many of our favourites will, in the near future, share the fate of their forerunners and be discarded; their places being filled by flowers of larger size, lietter substance and brighter colours. We purpose giving notes made by actual observation and comparison in the Dominion. First of all we notice White Varieties. It is not so long ago since Emily Henderson was introduced by Messrs. Peter Henderson and Co., New York, and at that time this pea created quite a furore in America. Britain and her colonies. A year or two later Blanche Burpee appeared, and later we had Sadie Burpee — a sweet pea which produced both black and white seeds. Within the past five years Dorothy Eckford made her debut, and this variety has held the field until this year, when her claims to fame are being rivalled by later introductions. Now, we do not say Dorothy Eckford is superseded, but we certainly think it the newcomers continue to shape as they have done this year, and remain fixed in character, Dorothy Eckford will have to take second or third place.

One of the finest whites we have seen is named Shasta. It is pure white. The buds are yellow, but when fully opened they are of purest white with erect stan-

dard, are well set, not huddled, and there are three and four flowers on long stout stalks. The plant is strong and a vigorous grower. We predict this variety will become one of the leading sorts for cutting and for exhibition purposes. Another new variety is named Nora Unwin, raised, we believed by Mr. Unwin, an English specialist, . It is pure white, erect standard, exceedingly showy, and Howers rather earlier than the Shasta; a strong grower, producing three to four Howers , to the stem. This variety has become very popular in England, where it is preferred by many to Dorothy 7 Eckford. Our own experience of this variety in the Dominion is that it is a decided advance in whites, and it has done well, but did not last long in bloom, probably owing to the dry season. Another new white is named Albatross, sent out by Dobbie and Co. It is not so large as the two preceding, and when quite fully 7 expanded has a slight rosy tint, it is most floriferous, producing an abundance of flowers—generally four to a stem—on long stout stalks, well placed, not huddled. We have found it an excellent sort for cutting. White Wonder is an American variety sent out by Mr. Burpee, of Philadelphia. It does not appear to have gained much favour; just why, we cannot explain. It may be termed a small flower, but it is pure white and the majority of the flowers are semi-double. It is a most profuse bloomer, the stalks carrying three, four, and five flowers on a stem, the vast majority being four flowered. We confess being very partial to this pea. as it is an excellent sort for cutting and continues a long time in flower. Passing from whites, we notice a few of the Lavender Shades, which, as a rule, are probably greater favourites than any other shade. The Countess of Radnor used to lie one of the most chaste; and lovely flowers in this section. Then we had Lady Nina Balfour, a most deli-

eate mauve, still grown and greatly prized by many, but the advent of Lady Grisel Hamilton almost completely eclipsed all others in this class, and there can be no doubt it is a fine pea. To Mr. Eckford belongs the honour of raising this grand sort, which, when first introduced, only a few years ago, was sold at 5/- a packet. This pea was very nearly lost owing to an unfavourable season, but a few seeds were salvaged and nursed by skilful hands, the variety was saved, and since its introduction has held the premier place as the most advanced giant flowered lavender. Now a rival has arisen. We were fortunate in securing a few seeds of the rival, which is named Frank Dolby. To tell the truth we rather smiled at the idea of any sort displacing Lady Grisel, but Frank Dolby is a fine flower, more erect in the standard, and brighter than Lady Grisel. It is quite distinct, a very strong grower, and produces its flowers in a buneh. The flowers are large, and the plants carry a profusion of flowers. We consider that, provided Frank Dolby remains fixed in character, it 'may displace Lady Grisel, but it is too early yet to speak definitely. We hope in future issues to continue these notes.