Sweet Pea 'Mars'

At a Glance

Sweet Pea ‘Mars’

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Stripe / Flake
• Color Profile: Red striping
• Fragrance: Mild to moderate
• Breeder: Unrecorded for the 1996 introduction (Henry Eckford bred the 1895 original)
• Year Introduced: 1996 (Modern stripe) / 1895 (Antique self-color)
• Flowering Type: Long-day / summer flowering

Overview

The 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.

Growth Habit

True 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.

Cultivation Notes

To 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.

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.

Historical Notes

There 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.

In the Garden

‘Mars’ is often grown for:

• Adding bold, striped accents to floral arrangements
• Vigorous, long-stemmed cut flower production
• Eye-catching, patterned displays on garden trellises

Companion Planting Notes

To 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 (Daucus carota) or the airy, textured sprigs of creeping baby's breath (Gypsophila repens).