Sweet peas are one of those flowers that steal the show in the garden—and the best part? You can save seeds to grow them again next season. They’re actually one of the easiest seeds to save because they’re big, easy to handle, and you don’t need very many to plant a beautiful patch of flowers.
If you’ve been wondering how to save sweet pea seeds—when to harvest and how to know they’re ready—this guide walks you through my go-to method step by step.
Step 1: How to Tell When Sweet Pea Seeds Are Ready
Sweet pea pods start off green, but you don’t want to harvest them too early. Wait until they’re completely brown on both sides and dry. That’s your first sign they’re ready.
Step 2: The Scratch Test for Sweet Pea Seeds
Scrape your nail along the pod:
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If it sounds hollow → your seeds are ready to harvest.
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If it’s still soft or green (or a mix of brown/green) → leave it on the plant a little longer.
Why Timing Matters When Saving Sweet Pea Seeds
It might be tempting to pick pods as soon as they look ready, but harvesting too early means the seeds are still green inside. Green seeds hold too much moisture, which makes them:
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more prone to mold in storage,
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likely to wrinkle or rot as they dry, and
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less developed on the inside (leading to poor germination).
By waiting until the pod is completely dry and hollow, you’re ensuring your seeds are fully mature, hardened off, and ready to sprout strong plants next season.
Extra harvesting tips
🌱 Pick pods when they’re completely dry (avoid mornings with dew or right after rain).
🌱 Collect seeds in paper bags or other breathable materials—never plastic.
🌱 Discard pods with mold or discolored seeds.
🌱 Keep the plants lightly watered while pods mature (too much water = mold, too little = seeds stop developing).
🌱 Once fully dry, store your seeds in an airtight container in the freezer for long-term keeping.
That’s it! A little patience now means you’ll have your own stash of sweet pea seeds to grow—and share—next year. 🌸
P.S. We’ll also have a sweet pea seed sale coming this fall (late October/early November). If you want first dibs on our collection, make sure you’re on our email list!
FAQ: How to Save Sweet Pea Seeds
Q: Can you save sweet pea seeds from store-bought bouquets?
Not usually. Cut flowers are harvested before the pods have a chance to fully mature. For strong, viable seeds, it’s best to save them from plants you’ve grown in your garden.
Q: How long do sweet pea seeds last in storage?
Stored properly (completely dry and in an airtight container), sweet pea seeds can last 2–3 years. For the strongest germination, try to use them within one year.
Q: Do I need to dry sweet pea seeds before storing them?
Yes. Seeds should be fully dry before storage. If they still feel soft or green, let them dry out longer in a paper bag or on a tray before sealing them up.
Q: Can sweet pea seeds be frozen?
Yes! Once fully dried, sweet pea seeds store well in the freezer in an airtight container. Freezing helps extend their lifespan and keeps them safe from pests.
Q: How many seeds do I need for a flower patch?
Not many! A small handful of sweet pea seeds can give you a beautiful patch of blooms. Since each pod contains several seeds, you’ll likely have more than enough from just a few plants.