What is the most effective method for moving a sweet pea plant? The vine has been growing for around 28 years.
Sweet peas can be transplanted in the late summer or early spring. Gardeners in the north might want to transplant their plants in the early spring so they have time to re-establish before winter. Southern gardeners might prefer to transplant in the fall to give their plants time to settle in before the summer heat. Cut the plant back to approximately a foot when it’s time to transplant, then divide it into many pieces after digging. Plant the divisions at a spot that has been suitably prepared. To keep the roots cool, wet, and insulated in the summer and during the winter, give the soil enough of water and mulch. When the ground freezes, northern gardeners may choose to cover late-fall transplants with straw or evergreen boughs. The newly transplanted sweet pea will benefit from the additional insulation over the winter.
When should sweet pea seedlings be planted outside?
Sweet peas should be planted in a well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in an open, sunny location. Sweet peas are ideal for container gardening. utilize a compost that is good, peat-free, and has a slow-release fertilizer added in.
How to sow sweet peas
From seeds, sweet peas are simple to grow in the spring or autumn. If you are planting in the fall, make sure you have space for them to grow until spring in a frost-free location.
Sweet pea seeds sprout fairly quickly. However, by nicking the seed coat with a knife and avoiding the “eye” region, you can encourage germination. Either plant seed in trays, root trainers, or 9cm pots (3 to a pot). Place the seed in a cold frame or greenhouse after sowing it in high-quality, peat-free compost.
View Monty Don’s instructional video on how to cultivate sweet peas from seed:
Planting out sweet peas
Once all risk of frost has passed, you can start planting your sweet peas in late May. Put them outside throughout the day and bring them inside at night to harden them off before planting. When young sweet pea plants are around 10 cm tall, pinch out the tips to promote bushy growth.
In the spring, you can purchase sweet pea plug plants. Under a support, such as a wigwam made of bamboo canes, plant them in rich soil. The average sweet pea will reach a height of 2 meters. Until they have a healthy growth, water them well. Don’t worry about separating individual plants; simply space sweet pea plugs or pots about 20 cm apart.
Watch Monty as he demonstrates how to put out store-bought plants while planting sweet peas. Find out the advantages of giving them a nice drink after planting as well as why it is best to plant them out just once the soil has warmed up: