Sweet Pea ‘Winter Sunshine Cream’ is a specialist early-flowering sweet pea producing beautiful, softly scented, creamy-white blooms on long, strong stems, ideal for cutting and floral arrangements. Bred for commercial cut-flower production, the Winter Sunshine series can initiate flowering with as little as eight hours of daylight, considerably less than traditional Spencer sweet peas. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners and flower growers looking to extend their sweet pea season and enjoy flowers much earlier in the year.
 
For the earliest blooms, sow in September or October and grow in a cool, bright greenhouse, where established plants can begin flowering from early spring, potentially several weeks ahead of traditional varieties. Unlike conventional sweet peas, Winter Sunshine produces fewer sideshoots during its early growth, so avoid hard pinching or cutting back. Spring sowing is also possible, although this sacrifices much of its early-flowering advantage. With its elegant cream flowers, long cutting stems and exceptional early-season potential, Winter Sunshine Cream is a valuable addition to the cutting garden.
 
NOTE: SWEETPEAS ARE POISONOUS IF INGESTED
 
When to Sow
September–October for the earliest flowering under glass. February–March sowing is also possible, although flowering will be later. May sowing can be used for autumn flower production under suitable protected growing conditions.
 
HOW TO SOW
Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep into deep modules or individual pots filled with moist, free-draining seed compost. Maintain a temperature of around 15–18°C for germination. Once seedlings emerge, move them into a bright, cool environment to encourage strong, sturdy growth.
For autumn sowings, grow plants on in an unheated or minimally heated greenhouse, protecting them from severe frost. Provide climbing supports early and ensure good ventilation. Avoid repeatedly pinching out or cutting back young plants, as Winter Sunshine produces fewer early sideshoots than traditional sweet peas.
 
Spring-sown plants can be hardened off and planted outdoors once the risk of severe frost has passed.
 
Classification: Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Some experience required
Germination Time: 1-2 wks 
Flowering Time: March–April onwards from early autumn sowing under glass, depending on temperature and light levels. Spring sowings flower later.
 
Site: Full sun or very bright greenhouse conditions
Soil Type: Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: Neutral to slightly alkaline
 
Care: Provide tall supports, good ventilation and regular feeding once established. Protect from severe frost and avoid hard pinching or repeated cutting back. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continued production
Use: Cut flowers, greenhouse production, climbing supports and early-season floral arrangements
Harvesting: Cut stems when the first flowers are fully open and remaining buds are showing colour. Harvest regularly to encourage further flowering
 
Vase Life: 4–7 days
Height: 180–240cm
Plant Spacing: 15–20 cm