How to Grow Sweet Peas: Simple Sowing Method
Effortless Steps for Strong, Healthy Plants
Introduction
Sweet peas are beloved for their vibrant colours and delightful fragrance, making them a favourite in our gardens. This guide details an easy sowing method that eliminates the need for soaking or potting on, ensuring a straightforward growing experience.
Materials Needed
- Sweet pea seeds
- 9 cm pots (one per 3 plants)
- Multipurpose compost
- Watering can
- Labels (optional, for variety identification)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Pots:
- Fill each 9 cm pot with multipurpose compost, leaving a small gap at the top for watering. Tap the pot gently to settle the compost.
- Sow the Seeds:
- Dib 3 holes spaced well and drop in your sweet pea seeds. There is no need to soak the seeds beforehand; sweet peas germinate well without this step providing your compost is nice and damp at sowing time. If the compost is too dry the water can’t break the seed coat to initiate germination.
- Water well. This will push the compost to cover the seeds.
- Germination:
- Place the pots in a cool, bright spot, such as a greenhouse, cold frame, or windowsill. Avoid overheating. Seeds should germinate within 10–14 days.
- Growing On:
- Allow all three seedlings to grow together in the same 9 cm pot. There is no need to pot them on individually. This trio will be planted out as a single plant in March.
- Planting Out:
- In March, when the risk of hard frost has passed, plant the entire contents of the pot (all three seedlings together) into your prepared garden bed or container.
Aftercare
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide support such as netting or canes for the sweet peas to climb. Pinch out the tips when plants reach the top of your supports. This will stop them growing too tall and encourage the side shoots to open all the way up giving bushier growth and more flowers.
Further Details
More tips and detailed advice on growing sweet peas and other garden favourites is covered in your Handbook (free when you order your Grow-A-Long seeds from us.
If you prefer so watch rather than read, click the link below for a dedicated Sweet Pea Grow-A-Long page with all the videos from sowing, taking cuttings, planting out and flowering.
