Sweet Peas Adventure

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A Dream Planted, A Legacy Bloomed

Read the story behind 27,000 plants and the legacy they’ve created.

Read full story in our catalogue

A Story of Lists, Loss, and Legacy

For over 20 years, John carefully scribbled sweet peas onto his many to-do lists — between meetings, planting seasons, and family milestones. He always knew he'd get to it one day.

In 2023, following the passing of his sister Dennise, a window opened — emotionally and financially. With her home sold and a lifetime of inspiration behind him, John rolled up his sleeves and turned his dream into reality.

Partnering with world-renowned breeder Dr. Keith Hammett, John set out to grow something truly special: 27,000 sweet pea plants in Taranaki soil, with 6 km of rows and a vision for world-class seed quality.

Preserving a Legacy of Beauty

For decades, Dr. Keith Hammett’s sweet pea cultivars have been loved across New Zealand and beyond. But with time, the demand for clean, high-quality seed grew — and the supply chain couldn’t keep up.

Many seeds sold overseas were contaminated or mislabeled. Egmont stepped in to do it right: grow them locally, cleanly, and with integrity. This project is not just about selling seeds — it’s about preserving beauty through legacy.

The Sweet Pea Journey

In 2024, John and a small team planted 27,000 seeds by hand. Every day from dawn till dusk, he worked the rows — stringing mesh, feeding plants, weeding, and guiding vines upward.

With just two full-time employees, support from family and friends, and 25 contracted harvesters, the effort was immense — but the results were spectacular: vibrant blooms, high germination, and zero compromise on quality.

2018 – Small Trial

John conducted a small sweet pea growing trial to explore the viability of local production. The results were promising, but with so many competing priorities, the project was temporarily set aside — sweet peas went back on the “someday” list.

2022 – Offshore Attempts Blocked

With renewed interest, John looked into growing sweet peas offshore, exploring production in India. Unfortunately, Indian biosecurity regulations made this option impossible. It was a setback — but not the end of the dream.

2023 – Capital Secured, Full Launch

The turning point came with the passing of John’s sister, Dennise. Her home, which John owned, was sold — freeing up capital to finally pursue the sweet pea project. With fresh motivation, he partnered with world-renowned breeder Dr. Keith Hammett, secured land, and began planning for a full-scale production. No more delays. The dream was happening.

2024 – 27,000 Plants Grown Locally

In Taranaki soil, John and his team planted 27,000 sweet pea seeds by hand. Every day from dawn to dusk, he could be found stringing mesh, feeding the plants, weeding, and guiding the vines.

With just two full-time employees, family support, and up to 25 seasonal pickers, the first growing season was a massive undertaking — but a hugely successful one. The result: vibrant blooms, brilliant seed quality, and the return of Keith Hammett’s prized cultivars to the market, grown right here in New Zealand.

"It was Fun, Successful, Rewarding, Stressful, Suffocating… The outcome was Amazing.”

— John, Founder of Egmont Sweet Pea Ltd

Read Full Story in Our Catalogue

Sweet Pea Range - Grown With Heart

Our first harvest is ready. These aren't just seeds – they’re the result of passion, legacy, and care.

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Sweet Pea Old Times - CF2150

Lime-Green flowers with a blue tinge and veins. Strongly scented.

$11.50