Sowing sweet pea seeds now
Why sow now?
Sweet peas are hardy annuals which means they will grow, flower and die in one year. By starting them off now their growing and flowering season is extended. Stronger plants over wintered flower earlier and for longer than spring sown seeds. Longer germination allows the plants to develop strong root systems.
There are so many Sweet Peas to choose from - from heritage varieties, grandifloras and spencer types, traditional climbers and dwarf ones, old fashioned sweet peas through a range of colours and scents.
- Cupani the original brought to the UK in 1600s, strongest scent
- Cupid is semi trailing superb for hanging baskets
- Painted Lady, a small flowered grandiflora from 1730s, heavy perfume
- Cherub is a dwarf good for ground cover, containers or border
- Ripple series are climbers with large blooms and delicate scent
- Confetti has long stems for cutting
- Platinum Jubilee has a good scent with a hint of citrus
- Heaven Scent is our favourite high perfume mix.
When to Plant Sweet Pea Seeds
The seeds can be sown anytime from early October to mid November. As the seedlings will develop larger root systems ideally each seed should be sown in individual pots, modules or root trainers. They may even need potting on into a bigger size if the plants grow strongly (depends on the weather!).
I use my home compost with some garden soil mixed in but any peat free multi-compost is good. Add some perlite if you think it's too heavy. I don't soak the seeds first, I've found they rot.
1. Fill your pots with your chosen compost
2. Water and drain the pots before sowing.
3. With a dibber (an old pencil will do) make a hole to drop the seed into.
4. Cover and label.
5. Place outside somewhere sheltered, in a coldframe or cold greenhouse is ideal.
6. Protect against mice and slugs. Both seeds and seedlings are an harvest feast for them.
If the plants put on too much early growth, they are too warm! Pinch out the tops and place them somewhere cooler if possible but in the light. They will withstand low temperatures down to -5C but not frozen solid.
If all else fails - the mice, the slugs, pigeons, the weather all conspire against you, there is always another chance to sow again in the spring .