Deepen your botanical knowledge at the NSPS Summer Cultivation & Hybridization Seminar, a specialized technical event hosted in collaboration with the University of Huddersfield. While the flower shows focus on the aesthetic beauty of the bloom, this seminar dives into the science behind the scent. This intensive one-day event is designed for those who wish to move beyond basic gardening and into the realm of plant breeding and advanced horticultural techniques.
The 2026 seminar features a series of lectures by renowned hybridizers who have developed some of the most successful commercial sweet pea varieties. Topics include the genetics of color inheritance, the specific nitrogen requirements of Lathyrus odoratus, and modern biological pest control methods. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to a "Hands-on Hybridization Lab," where participants will learn the delicate art of hand-pollination, including how to select parent plants and manage seed pods for maximum viability.
In addition to the scientific sessions, the seminar includes a networking lunch where members can discuss the 2026 growing season's challenges—such as fluctuating northern temperatures—and share tips on "Autumn Sowing" for 2027. The University’s research staff will also present a short session on the history of the sweet pea in British culture and its evolution since Henry Eckford’s breakthroughs in the 19th century. This event is a must-attend for anyone serious about the technical aspects of sweet pea growing, providing a rare opportunity to learn directly from the pioneers of the society in an academic setting.
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