An oldy but a goody, sweet peas are one the the most loved cottage garden favourites. Delightfully sweetly scented and to top that, they produce copious amounts of flowers that come in a variety of colours and are great for picking. There is a huge range of varieties available now, some of which have been breed for flower colour and perfume by Dr Keith Hammett, look out for them in store.
Planting Calendar
Sweet pea seeds can be sown in Autumn/Winter or seedlings can be planted in Spring.
Prepare
Position
Sweet Peas like a sunny spot, sheltered from the wind. They can be planted into garden beds, containers or the dwarf varieties can even be planted into hanging baskets. Climbing varieties of Sweet Peas will need support as they can climb up to 2m
Soil
When planted into the ground Sweet Peas like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter with the addition of lime to sweeten the soil. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the seedling out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and some lime, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. Seedlings can be planted into the ground once they have reached 5-10cm tall. Seeds can be planted directly into the soil to a depth of 2.5cm and leave 5-7cm between each seed. Alternatively the seed can be grown in seed trays in a greenhouse or a warm sunny spot indoors for planting out as seedlings. Soaking the seed before sowing can aid germination but isn’t essential. Sow into moist soil and then keep the soil moist until the seedling emerges.
Care
Watering
Sweet peas like the soil to be kept evenly moist. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water. Where possible avoid wetting the foliage when watering as this increases the risk of powdery mildew.
Feeding
When planted in the ground feed with Kings Rose Food, along with monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets. For healthy soil and roots feed every 3 weeks with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of flowering. When planted into containers feed with Yates Thrive Liquid Rose & Flower food in addition, apply Aquaticus Garden Booster every 3 weeks.
Protecting
Protect against Slugs and Snails by applying Slug Bait such as Tui Quash. Birds can peck at the young luscious seedlings, so cover with bird netting to keep the birds off.
Spraying
Mildew can be a problem especially later in the season, spray for protection with Yates Supershield, this will also deal with any Aphids that may be on the plant.
Pruning
Pinch the tips of sweet pea vines to promote side shoots, this encourages more blossoms to form. Regularly picking will also encourage more flowers to be produced.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Blue colours are more fragrant than red colours. Adding Kings Dried Blood to the soil will increase flower production and improve scent.
Expert Tip
Once flowering has finished and the plant begins to wither, dig them directly into the soil as a green manure which adds nitrogen to the soil.
Tip
When planting climbing varieties some form of support is necessary. This can be canes arranged to form a wigwam, a trellis, or a wire frame on a fence. Prepare the structure before planting. Regularly tie plants onto the structure with twine while they establish and to keep them upright.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to plant Sweet Peas?
The best time to plant Sweet Pea is from late autumn to early winter, around April to June. This allows them to establish roots before the spring growing season.
How often should I water Sweet Peas?
Sweet peas like the soil to be kept evenly moist. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Do Sweet Peas need support to grow?
When planted in the ground feed with Kings Rose Food, along with monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets. For healthy soil and roots feed every 3 weeks with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of flowering. When planted into containers feed with Yates Thrive Liquid Rose & Flower food in addition, apply Aquaticus Garden Booster every 3 weeks.
Are Sweet Peas prone to any pests or diseases?
Sweet Peas can be affected by aphids, powdery mildew, and slugs. Regularly check your plants and use appropriate organic treatments if you notice any issues.
How do I harvest Sweet Pea seeds?
Allow some pods to mature and dry on the plant. Once they turn brown, pick the pods, remove the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place for next season.
