Sweet Pea 'Nuance'

At a Glance

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Bicolor
• Color Profile: Pale two-tone bicolour
• Fragrance: Moderate
• Breeder: Dr. Keith Hammett
• Year Introduced: 2012
• Flowering Type: Early-Flowering / Early Spring

Overview

'Nuance' is an exquisite early-flowering Spencer variety that brings delicate elegance to the spring garden. Bred by the renowned contemporary sweet pea expert Dr. Keith Hammett, this cultivar showcases beautifully ruffled petals in a soft, pale two-tone pink bicolour palette. Because it requires fewer daylight hours to initiate blooming than standard summer varieties, 'Nuance' is a phenomenal choice for growers wanting to kickstart their sweet pea harvest early. With its classic Spencer frills and pleasing moderate fragrance, it is a highly desirable vine for early pastel bouquets and spring floral designs.

Growth Habit

Exhibiting the vigorous, tall-climbing nature characteristic of Spencer types, 'Nuance' requires a sturdy vertical support system. Whether trained up bamboo teepees, netting, or a tall garden trellis, its climbing vines need adequate structure to ascend properly toward the early spring sun.

Cultivation Notes

Because 'Nuance' is an early-flowering (spring) variety, it initiates its blooms when daylight reaches roughly 10 to 11 hours. This makes it ideal for early cut flower production under glass or polytunnels, or for planting out in areas where intense summer heat typically brings an early end to the sweet pea season. Plant the vines in deeply enriched, well-draining soil and tie the stems in regularly. As with all sweet peas, diligent harvesting and the removal of spent flowers are crucial to prevent the plant from setting seed and to prolong the blooming window.

Historical Notes

This elegant variety was raised by the world-renowned sweet pea breeder Dr. Keith Hammett of New Zealand, who has produced some of the most sought-after and innovative modern cultivars. 'Nuance' was officially introduced in 2012 and subsequently featured in the 2013–2014 catalogues of sweet pea specialist Roger Parsons, reflecting the global collaboration and exchange of top-tier sweet pea genetics.

In the Garden

Grown For: Early season cut flower production, soft pastel arrangements, and extending the sweet pea season by blooming well ahead of summer-flowering Spencers.

Companion Planting

To create a gentle spring pastel harmony, pair this delicate pale bicolour with another early-flowering pastel like 'Piggy Sue'. Alternatively, plant it alongside a crisp, early-blooming white or cream like Hammett's own 'Lunar Sea' for a fresh, luminous display.