Sweet Peas

Sow sweet peas in late winter for earlier plants or in early spring. Prepare by soaking seeds overnight and pinching out spring-sown seedlings at 3-4 inches for bushier growth. Plant seeds 2-3 inches apart with support structures for climbing. Keep the soil consistently moist. Protect from mice by elevating plants. Encourage more blooms by regularly cutting flowers. At the end of the season, collect seeds, and cut back and compost old plants.

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Sweet Peas: A Delightful Addition for Gardeners and Allotment Holders

Sweet peas are renowned for their captivating blooms and are particularly cherished as cut flowers. They have a unique attribute where more frequent harvesting of the flowers leads to increased and prolonged blooming.

Sweet Peas for Cut Flowers

These plants excel as cut flowers. Regular cutting not only adorns your home with fresh, fragrant blooms but also encourages the plants to produce more flowers.

Sowing Time

For robust plants, sow sweet peas in late winter, or choose early spring for planting. Winter-sown plants typically don't need pinching and are stronger. If you choose spring sowing, starting indoors and transplanting post-frost is advisable.

Planting Seeds

Pre-soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Sow them about an inch deep, spacing them 2-3 inches apart directly in the ground or in pots.

Support: Structure and Tying In

Provide support structures like trellises or nets at planting. Tying in sweet peas as they grow offers better support and protection against wind, reducing stem damage.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful to prevent overwatering.

Care: Pinching Out

To encourage bushier growth in spring-sown sweet peas, pinch out the growing tips when they reach 3-4 inches in height. A good method is to count up to three sets of leaves on the seedling and then pinch off the growing tip just above the third set of leaves. This step is unnecessary for winter-sown varieties.

Pest Management: Mice

Mice can be a problem, as they tend to eat sweet pea seeds and seedlings. Keeping your plants elevated after sowing can help protect them.

Harvesting

Cut flowers frequently in the morning when they start to open. This not only yields beautiful cut flowers but also promotes more flowering.

End of Season

Collect seeds after flowering for next year's planting. Cut back and compost old plants, unless they show signs of disease.

Following these simple and effective steps, you'll find growing sweet peas to be a joyful and rewarding experience. Pinch out your spring-sown seedlings at 3-4 inches, keep them supported and protected from pests, and remember to regularly harvest those beautiful blooms. With just a bit of care and attention, your garden or allotment will soon be filled with the vibrant colors and sweet fragrance of sweet peas. Happy gardening, and enjoy the beautiful results of your efforts!