Sweet Peas flourish in cooler weather and should be sowed early in the season. They are adored by hummingbirds and butterflies and form a stunningly fragrant wall of blooms. With their nostalgic charm, they often evoke memories of grandma's garden, making them one of the most sentimental flowers.
Details:
Plant type: annual, can re-seed
Height: 6-8 feet
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75-90 days
Plant spacing: 6-8”
*Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds are poisonous if ingested. Use caution around children and pets.*
Approx seeds per packet: 10
How to Grow:
Direct Seed: Sow 1/4- 1/2" deep. Darkness is required for germination. In mild areas seeds can be directly sown into the ground in the fall and left to overwinter. Everywhere else, sow seeds 6 weeks before the last frost date. Seedlings won't be damaged by light frost. In dry climates keep the soil moist to encourage germination.
Transplant: Sow 1/4- 1/2" deep into extra deep pots or root trainers. Sweet Peas have long roots which do not like to be disturbed. Plant out up to 6 weeks before last frost date.
Germination: 14-21 days at 55-65°F (13-18°C)
Where to plant:
Sweet Peas like cool soil and mostly sun, once they are growing you can plant little violas at their base to shield the soil from the sun.
Harvesting/Vase Life:
Pick flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Once the flowers turn to a seed pod the plant will stop producing blooms. Once the pod turns a brown color you can collect the seeds and save them for next year!
For the longest vase life, pick when there are at least 2 unopened flowers at the tip. Vase life will be shorter when picked more open. Sweet peas are a short-lived cut flower, lasting at best 4-5 days in a vase. Adding a source of sugar or flower food to the water will extend vase life a few additional days. Tip: Cut the entire stem to get more stem length!