What To Know
- Use your finger or a pencil to make shallow depressions, about ¼ inch deep, in the seed starting mix.
- Keep your seed trays or pots in a warm location, either indoors or in a greenhouse.
- Sweet pea seeds need light to germinate, so place your seed trays or pots in a sunny location.
Sweet pea flowers are a beloved classic, known for their delicate beauty and intoxicating fragrance. Their vibrant colors and whimsical blooms add a touch of charm to any garden. If you’re looking to add these delightful flowers to your own landscape, starting from seed is a rewarding and cost-effective way to do so. This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow sweet pea flower from seed, from choosing the right seeds to enjoying your first blooms.
Choosing the Right Sweet Pea Seeds
The first step in your sweet pea journey is selecting the right seeds. With a wide variety of colors, shapes, and scents available, there’s a sweet pea for every taste. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
- Flower Color: Sweet peas come in a rainbow of colors, from classic white and pink to vibrant purple and deep red. Consider the existing colors in your garden and choose seeds that will complement your existing plants.
- Flower Shape: Sweet peas can have single, double, or ruffled blooms. Single blooms are the most common, while double blooms are more elaborate and have a fuller appearance. Ruffled blooms add a touch of whimsy with their frilly edges.
- Scent: Sweet peas are known for their sweet, heady fragrance. Some varieties have stronger scents than others. If fragrance is important to you, choose a variety known for its aroma.
- Growing Habit: Sweet peas can be either dwarf or climbing varieties. Dwarf varieties are shorter and more compact, while climbing varieties can reach heights of several feet. Consider the space available in your garden when making your choice.
- Bloom Time: Sweet pea varieties have different bloom times. Some bloom early in the season, while others bloom later. Choose a variety that will fit your desired blooming schedule.
Preparing Your Seed Starting Mix
Once you’ve chosen your seeds, it’s time to prepare your seed starting mix. This will provide the ideal environment for your seeds to germinate and grow. Here’s how to create a perfect seed starting mix:
- Choose a Seed Starting Mix: Look for a seed starting mix specifically designed for flowers. It should be lightweight and well-draining to prevent root rot.
- Fill Seed Trays or Pots: Use seed trays or individual pots with drainage holes. Fill them with the seed starting mix, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
- Moisten the Mix: Gently water the mix until it’s evenly moist, but not soggy. You can use a watering can with a fine rose or a spray bottle.
Sowing Your Sweet Pea Seeds
Now that your seed starting mix is ready, it’s time to sow your seeds. Here’s how to do it:
- Make Seed Depressions: Use your finger or a pencil to make shallow depressions, about ¼ inch deep, in the seed starting mix.
- Place Seeds: Place one or two seeds in each depression, depending on the size of your seed tray or pots.
- Cover Seeds: Gently cover the seeds with seed starting mix.
- Water Gently: Mist the surface of the mix with water to keep it moist.
Providing Ideal Conditions for Germination
Once your seeds are sown, it’s important to provide them with the right conditions for germination. This includes:
- Temperature: Sweet pea seeds germinate best in temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). Keep your seed trays or pots in a warm location, either indoors or in a greenhouse.
- Light: Sweet pea seeds need light to germinate, so place your seed trays or pots in a sunny location. However, avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the mix.
- Moisture: Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist, but not soggy. Water as needed, making sure to avoid overwatering.
Thinning Sweet Pea Seedlings
Once your sweet pea seeds have germinated, you’ll need to thin them to give the strongest seedlings the best chance to grow. Here’s how to thin your seedlings:
- Wait for True Leaves: Wait until your seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves (the leaves that look different from the seed leaves).
- Select the Strongest: Carefully remove the weakest seedlings, leaving the strongest one in each cell or pot.
- Use a Sharp Tool: Use a sharp tool, such as a pair of scissors or a small trowel, to snip off the seedlings at the soil level.
Hardening Off Sweet Pea Seedlings
Before you transplant your sweet pea seedlings outdoors, you need to harden them off. This process gradually acclimates them to the outdoor conditions, reducing the risk of shock and stress. Here’s how to harden off your seedlings:
- Start Gradually: Begin by placing your seedlings outdoors for a few hours each day, starting in a shaded location.
- Increase Exposure: Gradually increase the amount of time your seedlings spend outdoors, moving them to a sunnier location each day.
- Protect from Wind: Make sure to protect your seedlings from strong winds, which can damage their delicate stems.
Transplanting Sweet Pea Seedlings
Once your seedlings have been hardened off, you can transplant them to their permanent location in your garden. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Sunny Location: Sweet peas need at least six hours of sunlight per day. Choose a location that is well-drained and protected from strong winds.
- Prepare the Soil: Work some compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
- Dig Holes: Dig holes that are slightly larger than your seedlings’ root balls.
- Gently Remove Seedlings: Carefully remove your seedlings from their pots, taking care not to damage the roots.
- Place in Holes: Place the seedlings in the holes, making sure that the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Water Thoroughly: Water your seedlings thoroughly after transplanting to help them establish themselves.
Ongoing Care for Sweet Pea Plants
Once your sweet pea plants are in the ground, they need regular care to thrive. Here’s what to do:
- Watering: Water your sweet pea plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Make sure to water deeply, soaking the soil around the roots.
- Fertilizing: Feed your sweet pea plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
- Supporting Vines: If you’re growing climbing sweet peas, provide them with support. You can use stakes, trellises, or other structures to help the vines climb.
- Deadheading: Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will encourage your sweet pea plants to produce more blooms. Simply pinch off the faded flowers to promote new growth.
Enjoying Your Sweet Pea Flowers
With proper care and attention, your sweet pea plants will produce an abundance of fragrant blooms. You can enjoy your sweet peas in a variety of ways:
- Cut Flowers: Cut sweet pea flowers for bouquets and arrangements. Cut the stems early in the morning when the flowers are at their peak freshness.
- Garden Display: Let your sweet pea plants bloom in your garden, adding a touch of color and fragrance to your landscape.
- Dried Flowers: Dry sweet pea flowers to use in crafts, wreaths, or other decorative projects.
Sweet Pea Success: Beyond the Basics
Here are a few additional tips for growing successful sweet pea flowers:
- Planting Companions: Sweet peas are good companions for other plants, such as roses, lavender, and herbs. They can help attract beneficial insects and deter pests.
- Pest Control: Sweet peas are susceptible to aphids and other pests. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap, to keep pests at bay.
- Disease Prevention: Sweet peas can be affected by diseases like powdery mildew. Choose disease-resistant varieties and provide good air circulation to prevent disease.
What People Want to Know
Q: When is the best time to sow sweet pea seeds?
A: Sweet pea seeds can be sown directly outdoors in the spring, after the last frost. You can also start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Q: How long does it take for sweet pea seeds to germinate?
A: Sweet pea seeds typically take 10-14 days to germinate.
Q: How long do sweet pea flowers last?
A: Sweet pea flowers can last for several weeks, especially if you deadhead them regularly.
Q: Can I grow sweet peas in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow sweet peas in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Q: How do I know if my sweet pea plants are getting enough water?
A: The soil should feel moist to the touch, but not soggy. If the soil is dry, water your plants thoroughly.
Growing sweet pea flowers from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy these beautiful and fragrant blooms in your own garden. With a little patience and care, you can create a stunning display of sweet pea flowers that will bring joy to your landscape for weeks to come.
