Today, sweet peas remind one of a Victrola in the parlor. Considered very romantic, some antique strains can be wonderful if chosen carefully; others can be duds. We've selected only the best for you. All have a slight honey or orangey aroma and make excellent spring cut flowers.

Henry Eckford, the father of modern sweet peas and the leading developer in the late 1800's, produced over 100 varieties. This mix of his best has an incredible color range: shell pink, maroon, violet, cream, blue and crimson striped with white.