Sweet Peas - Key Growing Information

A close-up of heirloom sweet pea flowers; early sowing is the secret to growing success.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

14-21 days at 55-65°F (13-18°C). To aid germination, seeds can be presoaked for 24 hours in room temperature water prior to planting.

SOWING:

Transplant (recommended) - Sow 1/4- 1/2" deep (darkness is required for germination) into 72-cell flats or preferred deep-cell seedling container 4-5 weeks before planting out. Direct seed - 2–3 seeds every 6", ¼–½" deep. Seedlings can tolerate a light frost. Pinch when 6-8" tall to encourage denser branching and more flowers. Trellis support is required. Thin seedlings as needed, once first true leaves appear.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:

Varies. Support such as Hortonova vertical trellis is needed to support plants.

PLANT SPACING:

4-8".

HARDINESS ZONES:

Annual.

STEM LENGTH:

6-16".

VASE LIFE:

4-6 days. Sweet peas do not store well, but if necessary store at a temperature of 36-39°F (2-4°C).

HARVEST:

Half the flowers on a stem are open. Harvesting flowers increases blooms.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Rich, deep, loamy, moist, well-drained soil. 6-7 pH preferred.

TIP:

Using white on black plastic or straw mulch will help keep roots cool and the plants productive for a longer period.

USES:

Cut flower, back borders, fences, trellises, arbors, and cottage gardens.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Lathyrus odoratus

Sweet Peas