In mild winter climates, where the ground does not freeze, sweet pea seeds should be fall-sown directly into the garden from September through November to grow strong root systems and then bloom in spring.
Is it best to soak sweet pea seeds before planting?
In fact frequently these light coloured flower seeds need neither chipping nor soaking, but unless you know the colour of the sweet pea you are sowing it is better to give them a short soak for a few hours which will do no harm as long as they are patted dry afterwards on tissue paper or kitchen roll.
How do you grow sweet pea from seed?
Sweet pea seed will germinate in soil at temperatures of 55º to 65º F or 13º to 18º C. Plant seeds in holes that are about two inches (two knuckles) deep. Drop two to four seeds per hole, with holes spaced four to six inches apart. Water thoroughly and keep soil moist until seeds have sprouted.
Do you soak sweet pea seeds first?
Many people recommend soaking seeds overnight before sowing to help them germinate. This is because some varieties have a hard outer shell. However, others suggest that soaking may lead to weaker plants. Generally, sweet peas should germinate fine without any treatment.
Do you have to dry pea seeds before planting?
The pea pods don’t have to be completely dried out in order to harvest the seeds. But don’t allow pea seeds to sit in the pods for very long after collecting them or the seeds might get moldy.
Can I plant sweet peas in February?
Sow sweet pea seeds between October and April. For best results aim for late October/November or late February/March as temperatures and light levels are less than ideal in midwinter. Sweet peas can also be sown direct into the ground in April or May.
Do sweet peas come back every year?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) only live for a year, dying after setting seed. But don’t let this put you off as they are super easy to grow from seed. Perennial species such as Lathyrus latifolius come back year after year, but mostly lack fragrance and there are fewer to choose from.
How long does it take sweet pea seeds to sprout?
10 to 28 days
Seeds take anywhere from 10 to 28 days to germinate completely, depending on weather and soil temperature. If your sweet peas do not germinate well, dig down to see if the seeds are still there. If they have rotted or been eaten, plant more right away as they will catch up quickly.
How many pea seeds are in a hole?
2 pea seeds
Another way to make sure you get a good crop is to over-seed a bit: plant 2 pea seeds per hole, 1-2 inches deep. Each seed should be planted 2-3 inches apart. Once the plants emerge, you can thin them (pull a few plants out) so they are 4 inches apart.
What is the best way to grow sweet peas?
Sweet peas are happiest with their heads in the sun and their roots deep in cool, moist soil. When possible, plant low-growing annuals in front of them to shade their roots. Choose a well-drained site. Alkaline soil is best; sprinkle some powdered lime on the surface if your soil tends to be acidic.
Can I plant sweet peas in January?
Sweet peas are annuals and can be sown in the spring. However, as with sowing the seeds in October, a January sowing enables the plants to develop strong roots, put on some early growth and provide larger plants to set out after the frosts.
How deep do you plant sweet pea seeds?
about 1cm deep
Use a good quality compost and sow several sweet pea seeds to a pot. Plant them about 1cm deep, cover with compost and water them well. Sweet peas perform best if their roots are forced to grow in a deep, narrow channel so choose a tall pot to give them a strong start.
When should sweet pea seeds be planted?
Plant sweet pea seeds in autumn or spring. When plants are 10cm tall, pinch out the tips to encourage bushy growth. Plant out in mid-spring and keep well watered. Most varieties have tendrils that will ‘self-cling’ to supports, but some sweet peas will need tying in.
Can you plant fresh pea seeds?
Who doesn’t love to eat fresh garden peas? There’s nothing like snapping a ripe pea pod right off the vine, opening the pod and grabbing a handful of peas to eat. Peas are so easy to grow and it’s also really easy to start seed saving to sow the following year. You can save pea seed from any of your pea pods!
What does bicarbonate of soda do to peas?
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) added to the peas whilst soaking helps retain colour and, more importantly, it helps to soften their skins, allowing them to absorb the soaking water.
Which seeds should be soaked before planting?
A short list of seeds that like to soak are peas, beans, pumpkins and other winter squash, chard, beets, sunflower, lupine, fava beans, and cucumbers. Most other medium-to-large vegetable and flower seeds with thick coats benefit from soaking.
How do you plant sweet peas in toilet rolls?
How-to guide
- Prepare the cardboard rolls you want to use.
- Fill the cardboard rolls with compost (any type you have will do).
- Take your chosen seeds and open the packet.
- Carefully pick up one seed at a time and place 2 seeds on the top of the compost of each cardboard roll before pushing them down into the compost.
Do sweet peas need dark to germinate?
After your seeds have sprouted, you must provide them with a good source of light. Indoors you can place them by a window as long as they will not experience extreme heat from the sun during the day. Cooler night temperatures by a window are not a problem for sweet peas. You can also use fluorescent lights.
Are sweet peas frost hardy?
Sweet peas are a hardy annual, which means they will tolerate cold, even a light frost below if freezing. They are tougher than they look and will take a regular frost down to around -4.
Do sweet peas reseed themselves?
Will sweet peas self-seed? Yes, in warmer climates. If you leave your sweet pea plants to turn to seed in fall, and allow those seed pods to pop open and disperse the seeds, it is absolutely possible for some to self-seed next year.
Do sweet peas need a trellis?
Because Sweet Peas are vining, they need support to grow up and flower. Many types of structures can work such as a trellis, supports with mesh or twine, or fences. They need a structure that is well anchored in the ground to support the weight of the vines.