Sweet peas are beloved for their beautiful climbing vines, delicate blooms, and incredible fragrance. They’re a classic choice for gardeners who want to add color, height, and scent to fences, trellises, and garden arches. With flowers in soft pastels, rich purples, and vibrant bi-colors, sweet peas bring charm to any backyard space.
These flowers grow best in cooler weather and prefer full sun with well-draining soil. Once established, sweet peas are easy to care for and reward gardeners with weeks of blooms, especially when flowers are picked regularly. Many varieties are also excellent for cutting, filling the garden—and your home—with their sweet scent.
With so many varieties available, from heirloom favorites to modern hybrids, it’s easy to find sweet peas that suit your garden style and space. Below are some of the best sweet pea varieties you can grow in your backyard.
1. Sweet Pea ‘Spencer Mix’
‘Spencer Mix’ is one of the most popular sweet pea varieties, known for its large, ruffled flowers and wide range of colors. Blooms come in shades of pink, purple, red, blue, and white, making it perfect if you want a classic sweet pea look with lots of variety.
This variety grows tall and needs support like a trellis or fence. It does best in full sun and cooler temperatures. Pick flowers often to encourage more blooms and longer flowering.
2. Sweet Pea ‘Old Spice Mix’
‘Old Spice Mix’ is prized for its strong fragrance and charming, slightly smaller flowers. The blooms have a more traditional, heirloom look with soft and rich colors mixed together.
This variety is easy to grow and very forgiving, making it a great choice for beginners. Plant it early in the season, give it something to climb, and enjoy its scent—especially in the evenings when the fragrance is strongest.
3. Sweet Pea ‘Cupani’
‘Cupani’ is one of the oldest sweet pea varieties and is known for its deep purple and maroon bi-color blooms. The flowers have a simple, elegant shape and a strong, classic sweet pea scent.
This variety is ideal if you love heirloom plants or want something with a bit of history. It grows vigorously and prefers cool weather and full sun. Regular picking helps keep the plants blooming longer.
4. Sweet Pea ‘Matucana’
‘Matucana’ produces striking bi-color flowers in rich purple and deep blue tones. The blooms stand out in the garden and are especially eye-catching when grown along fences or arches.
This variety is highly fragrant and easy to grow. It prefers cooler conditions and well-draining soil. ‘Matucana’ is a great choice if you want bold color and strong scent in one plant.
5. Sweet Pea ‘Painted Lady’
‘Painted Lady’ is a classic sweet pea with soft pink and white bi-color blooms. The flowers have a light, airy look and add a gentle pop of color to the garden without being overwhelming.
This variety grows well in full sun and is known for being reliable and easy to maintain. It’s a good option for gardeners who want a traditional, cottage-style feel and consistent blooming.
6. Sweet Pea ‘April in Paris’
‘April in Paris’ features large, creamy blooms with soft lavender edges and a strong fragrance. The flowers have a refined, almost vintage look that works beautifully in both gardens and cut flower arrangements.
This variety prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Provide sturdy support and keep the flowers picked to encourage continuous blooming. ‘April in Paris’ is ideal if you want elegant flowers with excellent scent.
7. Sweet Pea ‘High Scent’
‘High Scent’ is grown mainly for its strong fragrance rather than flower size. The blooms are smaller and come in soft purple and blue tones, but the scent is one of the strongest you’ll find in sweet peas.
This variety is easy to grow and great if fragrance is your top priority. Plant early, give it support, and pick flowers often to keep the scent and blooms coming.
8. Sweet Pea ‘Royal Family Mix’
‘Royal Family Mix’ offers large, showy flowers in a wide range of rich and pastel colors. The blooms are fuller than heirloom types and make excellent cut flowers.
This variety grows tall and needs a trellis or fence. It prefers full sun and cooler weather. Regular harvesting helps promote longer blooming and stronger plants.
9. Sweet Pea ‘Mammoth Mix’
‘Mammoth Mix’ produces big, bold flowers in bright, eye-catching colors. The plants are vigorous and fast-growing, making them a great choice if you want quick coverage on a fence or trellis.
This variety does best in full sun and well-draining soil. Because it grows strongly, be sure to provide sturdy support early in the season.
10. Sweet Pea ‘Knee-Hi Mix’
‘Knee-Hi Mix’ is a shorter, bush-style sweet pea that grows only about knee-high and needs little to no support. The flowers come in a cheerful mix of colors and are perfect for smaller spaces.
This variety is ideal for containers, raised beds, or edging. It’s easy to grow and a great option for gardeners who don’t want to deal with trellises.
11. Sweet Pea ‘Blue Celeste’
‘Blue Celeste’ features soft sky-blue blooms that bring a calm, fresh look to the garden. The flowers are lightly ruffled and very attractive in bouquets.
This variety grows best in full sun with good airflow. It benefits from regular picking and performs well when paired with white or pastel flowers.
12. Sweet Pea ‘Almost Black’
‘Almost Black’ produces deep, dark purple blooms that appear nearly black in certain lighting. This dramatic color makes it a standout choice for modern or bold garden designs.
This variety grows tall and needs support. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil. It’s a great option if you want something unusual and eye-catching in your sweet pea collection.
13. Sweet Pea ‘Beaujolais’
‘Beaujolais’ features rich wine-red blooms with a velvety appearance. The color is deep and elegant, making it a favorite for cut flower gardens and dramatic garden accents.
This variety prefers cool temperatures and full sun. Provide sturdy support and pick flowers often to encourage more blooms throughout the season.
14. Sweet Pea ‘Windsor’
‘Windsor’ is known for its soft lavender-purple blooms and classic sweet pea fragrance. The flowers are balanced in size and color, making them easy to mix with other varieties.
This variety grows well in full sun and cooler conditions. It’s a reliable choice for gardeners who want consistent blooms and a traditional sweet pea look.
15. Sweet Pea ‘Perfume Delight’
‘Perfume Delight’ combines colorful blooms with a strong, pleasant fragrance. The flowers come in a mix of pinks, purples, and whites, offering variety without sacrificing scent.
This variety is easy to grow and works well in both garden beds and cutting gardens. Plant early, provide support, and enjoy long-lasting blooms when flowers are picked regularly.
