One of the best plants for cutting, sweet peas (officially known as Lathyrus odoratus) offer tempting colors and aroma for spring and early summer bouquets. The tiny flowers emit a grape-like fragrance into the air and come in a variety of beautiful colors. We enlisted the assistance of Barb Pierson, our nursery manager, to provide some guidance for individuals who have never grown Sweet Peas in a garden or a container pot. Any beginner or green thumb can benefit from a plentiful supply of these lovely flowers thanks to her advice.
Why do people grow Sweet Peas?
Sweet peas are cultivated for their lovely, ruffled blossoms, which come in pastel, blue, and bicolor hues. They are a beautiful cut flower since many types have scented blooms. The cultivation and breeding of sweet peas for both the home grower and the florist industry has a long history.
How do I go about growing Sweet Peas?
Sweet peas can be grown from seed that is treated before sowing or, more conveniently, from a starting plant. At White Flower Farm, we plant three seeds in each pot to create three Sweet Pea vines.
Where do I plant them and when?
In the northern half of the US, sweet peas flourish in the full sun. They can benefit from afternoon shade in the South. They are planted as early as possible in the spring since they prefer mild temperatures and cool roots. Newly planted seedlings will not be harmed by a mild cold. They can be sown in the fall and cultivated through the winter and early spring in highly warm climates. Compost should be added to the soil, and the area should be well-drained for optimal results. Sweet peas can be successfully grown in raised beds.
Do they need any special care while they are growing?
Sweet peas require support to grow and flower because they are climbing plants. Many other kinds of structures, like a trellis, supports made of mesh or wire, or fences, can be used. To sustain the weight of the vines, they require a sturdy framework that is firmly planted in the ground. The vegetation will develop tendrils that encircle the support you offer.
Since they like nutrient-rich soil, adding compost at planting time is advised. Mulching Sweet Peas will keep the roots cool and help them retain moisture as they grow.
Pinch the growth tips by one after the plants have reached a height of around six to encourage branching and the development of extra flowering stems.
What are the most common mistakes that people make with Sweet Peas?
- planting them in the middle of the summer They dislike the heat and won’t blossom as frequently.
- not offering assistance when planting. Once the plants have begun to grow, it is challenging to install your trellis or support.
- Lack of compost or fertilizer will cause weak plants and fewer flowers in poor soil.
- If Sweet Peas are planted too closely together without being thinned out, powdery mildew can grow and crowding lowers bloom production.
Do Sweet Peas produce pods that you can eat like the ones you find in the grocery store?
Despite having the appearance of snap pea pods, the seed pods are not edible. The pods and seeds can be saved in order to grow plants the following year. Remember that the plants that the seeds may grow may not be the same hue as the parent plant.
Will the plants come back again next year?
The plants are typically not winter hardy in most areas. They are replanted with new seed and plants even in warm climates to produce the most flowers and have robust development.
When do they bloom? Are there tips for getting extra blossoms?
Sweet peas will begin to blossom 4 to 6 weeks after they begin to show apparent vining. Whether or not the plants have been pulled back will affect the timing of the bloom. Although pinching may slightly limit growth, it will result in bushier plants with more flowers. In the spring and early summer, sweet peas will grow and bloom more quickly as the days lengthen. Compost or old dry manure can aid to supply nutrients for the growth of huge, many blooms. A fertilizer with a phosphorus to nitrogen ratio greater than one can also increase flower production.
What is the process for cutting the blooms?
Cut the blossoms early in the day to prevent the sun from drying them off. For your vase, select newly opened flowers with the longest stems. Just the side flowering stems of the plant should be clipped; leave the main stem alone.
Why should I get my Sweet Peas from White Flower Farm?
No seed treatment or waiting for germination is necessary because our plants are grown in our greenhouses in the spring and supplied to you at the ideal time for planting in your region. Our sweet peas arrive completely rooted and ready to plant in the ground in 4 pots, each containing 3 seedlings. You can avoid the time and hassle of starting sweet peas from seed by doing this. The quickest method to enjoy these beautiful flowers outdoors and in vases within your house is to purchase and plant our Sweet Pea seedlings.
What can be used to help sweet peas climb?
Because they are climbing plants, sweet peas require support as they develop. Obelisks, wigwams, trellises, and garden canes are commonly used structures. Simple wire supports or sweet pea rings can also be purchased (or made), especially close to a wall.
The supports for sweet pea plants are encircled by their tendrils, so they shouldn’t require tying in. You might want to direct some of the stems in the proper direction, though.
By routinely clipping the blossoms before they set seed, you can extend the blossoming season. Bring them inside and put them in vases.
Sweet peas are produced for their fragrant, delicate blossoms. There is a wide variety of items available with various hues, designs, and scents.
How should sweet peas be trellised?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus cvs.) rank among the most beautiful annual flowers in my opinion. During the spring, these lovely vintage vines blossom for almost a month. The long-stemmed sprays of fluted and ruffled flowers emit an alluring medley of scents that make me think of orange and jasmine blossoms. A room literally smells like a sweet pea bouquet.
Even though cultivating and enjoying sweet peas as cut flowers is a tradition in gardening, these gorgeous blooms are frequently referred to as being “difficult to grow.” However, I’ve discovered that sweet peas are comparatively carefree and enjoyable to cultivate if planted at the appropriate time and given the right conditions. They are deserving of every gardener’s attention thanks to their huge variety of entrancing colors and eerie scent.
Sweet peas
Origins: This aromatic annual vine offers a wide range of varieties. Around 1699, a monk in Italy found the species.
Sweet peas need rich, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to light shade.
Pests and ailments: Plants require space to encourage air circulation, which will prevent mildew issues. Birds, slugs, snails, aphids, and thrips can occasionally be a problem with sweet peas.
Propagation: Seeds should be used to start new plants. In locations with moderate winters, plant seeds in the fall or early spring. Start seeds indoors in the late winter in regions with harsh winters, and transplant in the spring.
Sweet peas require a lot of food, so fertilize them often throughout the growing season. Deadheading promotes a longer blooming season.
Sow seed in cool weather
For sweet peas to be grown successfully, there are some rules to go by. Plants require full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and good drainage. Sweet peas are prone to mildew, thus adequate plant spacing is necessary for proper air circulation. Until they are 4 to 5 inches tall, young seedlings must also be shielded from slugs, snails, and roving birds. Most importantly, seeds need to be planted and raised in cool climates.
Sweet peas are best planted in the fall, right after Labor Day, in regions with warm winters and hot summers. As a result, the seeds have more time to germinate and form strong root systems, which aid in the seedlings’ ability to survive the winter and grow quickly once springtime and longer days arrive. If you neglect to plant in the fall, start the spring seedlings as soon as you can in a spot that gets some afternoon shade. Sweet peas can be planted later in the spring for a late-summer bloom in areas like the Pacific Northwest that see mild winters and moderately chilly summers.
Sweet peas should be sown indoors in regions with chilly winters, then moved outdoors once the conditions are right. To prevent the roots from being disturbed during transplantation, sow the seeds in separate containers with a diameter of 3 to 4 inches. It’s crucial to avoid burying seedlings in the ground any deeper than in containers. Direct-sow seeds in a location that receives some afternoon shade as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring if summer heat or humidity develops quickly in your area. Unlike many other annual seedlings, sweet-pea seedlings are reasonably resilient and can withstand a mild frost.
Prep seeds and beds first
When you know when to plant your seed, you are prepared to move forward. A healthy sweet pea plant will have a germination rate of 78 to 90%. I’ve discovered that nicking the seeds is the greatest approach to improve germination after several years of testing. Create a small nick or cut in the seed’s outer layer using nail clippers. No piece needs to be gouged out; just make a hole for moisture to enter.
Choose a location with well-drained soil for straight sowing the seed. Before planting, add aged manure or compost to the soil and create a sturdy support structure. Up strings, wire netting, fencing, trellises, and tuteurs, I’ve grown sweet-pea vines. I wrap twine or netting over thicker poles so that the vines can grasp because their tendrils can’t climb on anything larger than 14 inches in diameter.
Plant the seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and 1 inch deep when sowing them in the garden. Dig down to check if they are still present if none of them germinate within two to four weeks, depending on the cultivar. Plant more immediately if any have decayed or been consumed because newly sowed seeds can catch up to those that have already sprouted quickly. It’s crucial to thin seedlings when they are several inches tall so that they are spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. This spacing encourages proper airflow, which reduces mildew issues and gives the vines ample room to develop.
Simply orient your sweet peas in the appropriate direction when they are 4 to 5 inches long to teach them to grow on a support. They will effortlessly climb up on their own once they have reached the base of their vertical support.
Use a balanced fertilizer to routinely feed these robust vines throughout their growing and blooming season. Keep the soil in your garden evenly moist but not soggy since sweet peas don’t tolerate big changes in soil moisture. Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming and stop plants from setting seed.
In addition to mildew, while sweet peas are in blossom they are vulnerable to aphids and thrips. Insecticidal soaps do not work effectively on these delicate blossoms. I’ve discovered that an intense water spray usually gets rid of the aphids. When blue sticky traps are strung among the plants, they are quite effective at luring thrips.
The story behind sweet peas
Father Cupani, a botanizing monk, originally found sweet peas in 1699 on an island off the coast of Sicily. Eckford, an Englishman, started hybridizing and selecting sweet peas in the 19th century, resulting in the introduction of grandifloras, which are cultivars that are larger, more exquisitely shaped, and multicolored.
In the English gardens of the Earl of Spencer, a naturally mutated sweet pea with even bigger and more impressive ruffled flowers was found in 1901. The gardening community appreciated these late-blooming, cool-climate Spencer sweet peas, and amateur sweet-pea breeding resulted in the development of plants with a variety of colors and little emphasis on smell.
Since then, American producers have created varieties that are more adapted to our hot, muggy summers. Many of the fragrant, smaller-flowered cultivars from the 19th and early 20th centuries are currently experiencing a rebirth. A lot of new types of sweet peas with exquisite form, color, and potent, robust scent are also being launched thanks to the work of sweet-pea breeders like New Zealander Keith Hammett, American company Bodgers Seeds, and English company Unwins.
A sampling of sweet peas
Garden sweet peas have beautiful, elegant blossoms that range in color from the most delicate pastels to rich, opulent colours. The majority of options are tall vines that can grow up to 8 feet tall in a single season. A few small, non-climbing border-type plants are also present; they only reach heights of 2 to 3 feet. Consider using the small, 8–10 inch long dwarf window-box sweet peas for containers. Here is a list of some suitable cultivars for gardens, along with details on their size and blossom color.
Sweet peas can they climb a pole?
Giving sweet peas somewhere to climb is crucial when growing them in pots. Sweet peas are climbing plants, so they require a tall structure to support them as they enlarge. You can invest in a trellis, or you can simply bury a few sticks or bamboo rods in the soil of the container.
Sweet peas that grow to a maximum height of about 1 foot (31 cm) make the ideal container-grown types, but you can also choose taller varieties as long as you allow them enough area in the pot and match their height to the trellis.
Sweet pea plants can they climb?
Sweet peas are one of the few annual flowers with enduring appeal and rural charm. They appear to be the exact opposite of our hurried life as they twine languidly around a rustic trellis. Sweet peas are fantastic flowers for gardens and bouquets thanks to their alluring scent. For information on how to plant and care for sweet peas, read our Sweet Pea Growing Guide!
About Sweet Peas
The sour pea Lathyrus odoratus is an annual flower that looks great twining on a trellis or arch, growing in a cutting garden, border garden, or woods. Today, a wide variety of hues, from pearly white to ice cream pastels to ritzy magentas and inky purples, are available for the blooms.
Only their honey and orange blossom fragrance matches their delicate winged flowers. Their appeal has been ensured by the combination of their exquisite aroma and their capacity to generate a large number of flowers for the house over an extended time of cutting.
One of the keys to cultivating sweet peas is to sow them early. Sweet peas are incredibly tough, despite the way they appear fragile. Plant them in very late winter or early spring in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 or colder, as soon as the soil is dry enough to work with. (Don’t plant seeds after the last frost.
When Dr. Robert Uvedale, a teacher from Enfield, Middlesex, received seeds of this exceedingly fragrant annual in 1699 from a Sicilian monk named Francis Cupani, he brought the first sweet peas to Britain. In North America, they gained enormous popularity as garden plants and cut flowers. By the late 1800s, producers in California, especially W. Atlee Burpee, were exporting trainloads of sweet peas across the nation and creating numerous new varieties.
Some people liken the process of producing sweet peas to that of preparing pie dough. Some individuals are gifted, while others are not. This plant sprouts from large, manageable seeds that resemble peas. They are still rather challenging since they take a while to germinate. It’s worthwhile to experiment with various seeds every year.
When to Plant Sweet Peas
- Sweet peas should be planted as soon as the soil is dry enough to work in very late winter or early spring in most places where frosts occur frequently (Zone 7 and colder). (Start sowing before the last frost! Most certainly, it will be too late.)
- Plant sweet peas in the late fall (November) if you garden in a region with a mild winter climate (Zones 8, 9, or 10), so they can grow and blossom in the late winter and early spring. Six weeks before you plant the seeds, dig a trench and fill it with compost or well-rotted manure to obtain the greatest show. Sweet peas are gregarious plants that require a lot of nutrient-rich materials to flourish.
Sowing Sweet Peas Indoors
- Start sweet peas inside in a seed tray to get a head start on the season in the coldest regions of the nation. Sweet peas can withstand light frosts, so plant out as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, around 6 to 7 weeks before the last date for frost.
- The seeds’ outer layer is softened and helped to germinate by soaking them overnight. Using a nail file to lightly score the outer shell can also be beneficial.
- 2 seeds to a module is fine to sow the seeds, but keep in mind that their lengthy roots have a propensity to tangle and can make separation challenging. Sow the seeds around half an inch deep in each cell of a seed tray.
- Scoop them out gently after they start to sprout their first pea-like leaves and place them in a larger container to harden off. One of the most reputable growers of sweet peas gave me the following piece of advice: “Treat the seedlings like I would treat my husband: put them in an unheated greenhouse, neglect them, and they will thrive.
- Plant them outside as soon as the soil can be worked.
Sowing Seeds in the Ground
- Sweet peas thrive when their roots are firmly planted in cold, wet soil and their heads are exposed to sunlight. Plant low-growing annuals in front of them if you can to provide shade for the roots.
- Pick a spot that drains effectively. If your soil tends to be acidic, it is recommended to add some powdered lime to the surface.
- Mix liberal amounts of compost or well-rotted manure into the ground to a depth of two feet to create a rich soil. (Learn more about adding amendments to the soil and getting it ready for planting.)
- You should dig a beautiful, deep “compost trench” that is around 4 inches deep before planting.
- After digging the trench, use a pencil to cut holes, place the seeds inside, and then press down on the earth to compact it and block out any light.
- The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. To hasten sprouting, nick the seeds with a nail file before planting. In a temperate climate, seeds don’t need to be soaked.
How to Grow Sweet Peas
- Depending on the soil temperature, germination after planting can take anywhere from 7 to 15 days.
- Fill in the trench gradually as the seedlings appear and develop. Hoe additional dirt toward them.
- Keep the soil wet. Summer rains may be plentiful. Sweet peas can have bud drop; if you stick your finger into the soil bed to its first joint and the soil is dry, water them at the soil level and do so in the morning.
- You won’t need to fertilize if you plant with a lot of compost and aged manure. Use high potash feeds if you do want to supplement the diet because nitrogen feeds promote excessive top development.
- Mulch well once plants are planted to keep the soil cool and moist. Unless the soil becomes dry, you might not need to water your sweet peas if you mulch.
- Pinch off the tops when plants are 6 inches tall, not sooner, as this will promote the production of side shoots too early.
Provide Supports
- When temperatures rise above 65°F, sweet peas will begin to fade since they like chilly days and nights.
- Sweet peas are true climbers, with the exception of the bush forms. Provide them with sufficient support for at least 6 feet. Some species can reach heights of nine or ten feet. A braided willow obelisk, bamboo poles in the tee-pee design, or a trellis are examples of other attractive supports. If you don’t have a fence or trellis, give them something to cling on, such chicken wire, bushy twigs, or brush.
- Give the plants a good start by tying the first few stems to the support; the rest will follow. When they reach a height of 4 to 8 inches, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch out the middle growing point. Plants will grow stronger as a result.