Growing Sweet Peas from Seed

Why Sweet Peas?

Sweet peas are not just flowers; they are a celebration of nature’s beauty. Available in an array of colours, from soft pastels to deep, vibrant hues, they bring a whimsical touch to any garden. Varieties like the classic 'Unwins Signature Blend', the fragrant 'Old Fashioned Mix', or the nostalgic 'Cupani' can add different textures and tones to your garden, allowing you to create a tapestry of colours and fragrances. What makes sweet peas even more special is that growing them from seed means you can choose the perfect variety for your garden, making the experience feel all the more personal and rewarding.

How to Sow Sweet Pea Seeds

When it comes to sowing sweet peas, timing and preparation are key. Sweet peas prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, so it's important to prepare your garden bed properly. Incorporating organic matter such as compost can help ensure your soil is perfect for growing these charming blooms. If you're based in the UK, the best time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late autumn or early spring. For those starting indoors, sowing seeds in pots or seed trays between October and November gives them a good head start. For outdoor sowing, wait until the ground has warmed up in March or April.

To enhance germination, it's helpful to scarify the seeds, which involves gently nicking the outer seed coat with a file or sandpaper. This step helps water penetrate the seed more easily, encouraging faster sprouting. After scarifying, soak the seeds overnight in water before planting them. When you’re ready to plant, make sure to place the seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep into the soil. Sweet peas are natural climbers, so it’s essential to provide them with the right support. Structures like trellises, bamboo canes, or garden frames work well for helping sweet peas grow tall and strong, creating a stunning vertical display in your garden.

Caring for Your Sweet Peas

Once your sweet peas are planted, caring for them is relatively simple. They thrive with consistent moisture, but it's important to avoid waterlogging. Sweet peas prefer soil that drains well, so ensure your garden bed is well-prepared to avoid stagnant water. These blooms love sunlight, so choose a sunny or partially shaded spot in your garden where they can get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. For optimum growth and vibrant flowers, it’s a good idea to feed your sweet peas with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks. Regularly removing spent flowers, known as deadheading, encourages your sweet peas to continue blooming throughout the growing season.

Harvesting and Enjoying Sweet Peas

As your sweet peas begin to bloom, you’ll be able to enjoy their wonderful fragrance and beauty. Regularly harvest the flowers to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period. Sweet peas also make for lovely cut flowers, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room. A freshly picked bouquet of sweet peas will bring the magic of your garden indoors, filling your home with their sweet scent.

Get Started with Sweet Peas