Plant sweet peas in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting sweet pea seeds, Godfrey says they should be sown about one-inch deep and spaced three-to-four-inches apart to ensure they have plenty of space to grow. “Plant in rich, well-draining soil,” he adds.
How much root space do sweet peas need?
Space sweet pea plugs or pots about 20cm apart – don’t worry about separating individual plants.
What is the best month to plant sweet peas?
when to plant sweet peas. 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 I need a trellis for sweet peas?
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.
How far apart do you plant peas?
Seeds should be planted at a depth of ½–1 inch and between 2–3 inches apart. Space rows of peas at least 18 inches apart.
How quickly do sweet peas grow?
Spring-sown sweet peas flower in 12-14 weeks. Sweet peas often have a hard seed coat making them more difficult to germinate.
Do sweet peas need deep pots?
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.
What is the best fertilizer for sweet peas?
The best fertilizers for sweet peas are pelletized chicken manure, worm castings and compost. These are high carbon and lower in nitrogen which will help to grow more flowers. Liquid seaweed can be added as the sweet peas grow to strengthen roots and stems.
How tall do sweet peas get?
Most will grow to 5 or 6 feet, but there are shorter varieties “bush type” that are well-suited to containers. To extend the blooming season, choose a few different types.
Should you 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.
Do sweet peas need sun or shade?
Make sure you plant the sweet peas outside after the last frost date in your area. Choose a spot in full sun or very light dappled shade with rich, well-drained soil.
Do sweet peas last all summer?
In northern areas, sweet peas planted out in April and May will reach full bloom in late summer and continue almost until the first frost. Pick a spot where vines will get some afternoon shade if summers get very hot, and water if it doesn’t rain.
What happens if you plant peas too close together?
A: Pea plants should be spaced 1-2 inches apart. Peas can grow well when spaced close together, so don’t be afraid to pack them in a little. If you do plant them this close together, space rows several feet apart. Over-planting reduces air circulation and makes your plants more susceptible to mildew.
How many beans can I plant for a family of 4?
| Crop | Number of Plants to Grow |
|---|---|
| Bean (bush) | 5 to 10 per person |
| Bean (fava) | 4 to 8 per person |
| Bean (pole) | 3 to 5 per person |
| Beet | 5 to 10 per person |
Do peas need to climb?
Peas come in two heights: bush peas and climbing peas. All benefit from some kind of support. Though bush peas are only 2 to 3 feet tall, they will flop on the ground if you don’t give them something to climb on. Climbing peas may reach 6 to 8 feet tall and they need a sturdy trellis.
Do sweet pea flowers come back every year?
Perennial sweet peas: Perennial sweet peas come back year after year. You do not need to replant them after the growing season ends, and they will continue to grow for a longer period of time.
Should you deadhead sweet peas?
Sweet peas are easy to grow in any fertile soil that drains easily, in full sun. Feed weekly or fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser and ensure a regular supply of flowers by picking or deadheading.
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 a hanging basket?
If you have limited space in the garden, flowering sweet peas look fantastic tumbling out of hanging baskets.
What is the best way to trellis sweet peas?
Trellises for peas and sweet peas can be simply made from stakes and thick twine. You can also use chicken wire or fencing wire, but the easiest support to make is firmly attached twine.
Do sweet peas do well in pots?
Sweet peas thrive in pots. Choose a rich peat free potting compost and mix in loam-based compost to provide extra water retention.