Nothing is more pleasant for a gardener than planting sweet pea and other flower seeds in the winter. Getting out my sweet pea seed packets and seeing them germinate and sprout indoors is the most delightful thing to do when there is not much happening in the garden itself and I have been spending days indoors due to the cold, wet weather!
Therefore, if you’ve been considering that the only thing you can do for your garden is sit and observe it from the window, reconsider your position.
Early planting of sweet peas will repay you with delightfully scented and eye-catching blossoms. Sweet pea seeds must be started in late winter or early spring if you plant in a zone 7 or colder climate. Don’t hold off till the last frost! Generally speaking, you should start your seedlings inside 6 to 8 weeks before the final anticipated frost.
It might be too late to grow sweet peas and get decent results if you wait until after your final frost. In other regions of the nation, spring lasts only a few weeks before temperatures suddenly rise. Sweet peas require lower temperatures to grow well.
when to plant sweet peas
When between October and April, plant sweet pea seeds. Aim for late October or late November or late February or early March for the best outcomes because midwinter temperatures and light conditions aren’t the optimum. In April or May, sweet peas can also be planted directly into the ground. During a moderate period between March and May, sow your sweet pea seeds and plants.
Sweet peas can be planted in the late summer.
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 you winter sow?
I adore annual sweet peas and believe that they are the most alluring and unforgettable garden flowers because of their beautiful scent, ruffled, winged blossoms, and treasure trove of radiant hues. These fluted beauties are excellent for cutting, and a tiny bouquet of them will fill a room with a mouthwatering aroma that makes me think of orange blossoms and honey. Sweet peas’ delicate, alluring scent is one of nature’s best-kept secrets; it has never been artificially imitated and is never overbearing or cloying.
There are now a large number of options available in a wide range of colors, from the most delicate sweet pastels to rich, vivid deep hues, including stripes and bicolors. You have a choice of classic, tall, quickly-growing vining sweet peas, non-climbing, dwarf kinds for beds and borders, and variants that cascade 8 to 10 inches in containers. All will beautify and fill the garden with a divine aroma in the spring and summer.
Sweet pea horticulture has a lengthy and fascinating history. On an island off the coast of Sicily in 1699, Father Cupani, a botanizing monk, was the first to gather sweet peas in the wild. Eckford, an Englishman, started hybridizing and selecting sweet peas in the 19th century, bringing in larger varieties in a wider spectrum of hues. These “grandifloras,” which are now referred to as “old-fashioned” or “heirloom,” were highly praised as cut flowers.
In this time, cultivars that were more suited to American garden conditions were created by American seed producers who were growing sweet pea seeds for export to the English market and for American seed catalogs. The coastal region near Lompoc, California, which is chilly, moderate, and windy, is perfect for growing sweet peas because the climate prevents the usual bee visitors from visiting the blooms, preventing cross-pollination and allowing for the preservation of exceptionally pure seed strains. Today, that region, together with England, New Zealand, and Tasmania, continue to supply a large portion of the world’s sweet pea seed.
You will find growing sweet peas to be quite gratifying if you follow the right guidelines and timing for planting. Sadly, sweet peas have a reputation for being challenging to produce, especially in the Midwest and Southeast. However, after speaking with successful sweet pea gardeners around the nation for many years, I am confident that sweet peas can thrive everywhere in the nation. Their beauty and smell are definitely worth the effort even in the rare places where they are more difficult to grow. Knowing when to plant the seeds and how to take care of sweet peas effectively are crucial.
When To Plant Sweet Pea Seeds
Sweet peas can be planted in the fall and again in the spring in regions with warm winters that experience prolonged rainy winters and cold summers, such as the Pacific Northwest. Sue, a gardener from Seattle and the creator of our website, plants seeds in April or May for “armfuls of blossoms” through September.
Plant seeds as soon as the ground is workable in rich, well-drained soil in locations with temperate winters, such as the mid-Atlantic states, which experience humid summers and early, unexpected summer heat. Don’t wait until you plant other annual flowers like sunflowers or cosmos or until the date of your last frost (sweet peas may withstand minor frosts). Your sweet peas won’t be developed enough to withstand the hot temperatures of early summer. If it doesn’t rain, make sure to water your sweet pea plants because they require constant moisture.
Nancy Hammer, a market gardener in Virginia, starts seeds indoors in jumbo packs or 4 inch pots in late March so that they can be planted outdoors as soon as they have two or three pairs of leaves. This allows her to get a head start on the season and prepare for the unpredictability of spring weather. In early to mid April, she also plants seeds straight in the ground. In this manner, she will be ready with healthy seedlings regardless of whether it is chilly and rainy well into spring or if sudden hot weather arrives.
Both Susan Keating in Maine and Jay Leshinsky in Vermont wait until the spring soil can be easily handled before planting, often in late April through mid May, in locations with extremely harsh winters like New England where the earth freezes hard and heaves. Additionally, they get a head start by starting seeds indoors a month to six weeks in advance and planting them outside as soon as the weather allows through May. In either case, keep in mind that sweet peas are unaffected by late, mild frosts. Sweet peas planted in the ground in northern regions in April and May will blossom fully in late summer and continue to do so virtually until the first frost. If the summers are particularly hot, choose a location where the vines will receive some afternoon shade and water if it doesn’t rain.
How long does it take sweet pea seeds to bloom?
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.