Eckford coined the term “Grandiflora” – large flowered – to describe his varieties, as they were larger than the types in existence at the time, highly scented, and much in demand for cut flower production by professional and amateur alike. We’re not able to say with certainty whether our current varieties are directly descended from the original lines, or “rediscoveries” of a plant type that matches the original description. 

While Eckford is generally acknowledged as the grandfather of the sweet pea, there were many others, notably in the USA, who contributed to the development of sweet pea at this time, all of which left us the legacy of a range of form and colours that we enjoy today as Heirloom Grandiflora Sweet Peas