What To Know
- Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, you can start fertilizing them with a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants.
- Once your sweet pea seedlings have developed a strong root system and have reached a height of 2-3 inches, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger pots or outdoors.
- Before transplanting, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, increasing the duration over several days.
Sweet peas are a beloved flower known for their delicate fragrance and vibrant colors. While they typically thrive outdoors, learning how to grow sweet pea seed indoors can bring a touch of spring beauty to your home even during the coldest months. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right seeds to nurturing your seedlings for a successful indoor bloom.
Choosing the Right Sweet Pea Seeds
The journey to blooming sweet peas begins with selecting the right seeds. Consider these factors:
- Variety: Sweet peas come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Choose varieties that appeal to your aesthetic preferences and suit your indoor growing conditions. Some popular choices include ‘Cupani,’ ‘Matucana,’ and ‘Sweetheart.’
- Seed Quality: Opt for fresh, high-quality seeds for optimal germination rates. Look for seeds from reputable suppliers or choose heirloom varieties for a touch of tradition.
- Flowering Time: If you’re aiming for early blooms, select varieties that are known for their fast growth and early flowering times.
Preparing for Indoor Planting
Before you start planting, ensure you have the right tools and environment for successful indoor growth.
- Containers: Choose pots or seed trays with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The size of the container depends on the number of seeds you’re planting. For individual seeds, 3-inch pots are suitable.
- Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for seedlings. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too dense and hold too much moisture.
- Light: Sweet peas need ample light to thrive. Place your seedlings in a sunny location, ideally with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you don’t have enough natural light, consider using grow lights.
- Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature of around 65-70°F (18-21°C) for optimal germination and growth.
Sowing Sweet Pea Seeds
Now that you’ve prepared your setup, it’s time to sow the seeds:
1. Fill your containers: Fill your pots or seed trays with the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
2. Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space them 2-3 inches apart. If you’re using a seed tray, sow 2-3 seeds per cell.
3. Water gently: Water the seeds thoroughly, ensuring the entire potting mix is moistened.
4. Cover with plastic wrap: Cover the container with plastic wrap to create a humid environment that promotes germination.
5. Place in a warm location: Place the container in a warm spot, ideally with temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
6. Monitor moisture: Check the moisture levels daily and mist the soil if it starts to dry out.
Germination and Early Growth
With proper care, your sweet pea seeds should begin to germinate within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings emerge, you can remove the plastic wrap and provide them with regular sunlight or grow light.
- Thinning: If you’ve sown multiple seeds per cell, thin out the seedlings, leaving the strongest one in each cell.
- Watering: Water the seedlings regularly, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not soggy.
- Fertilizing: Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, you can start fertilizing them with a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants.
Transplanting Sweet Pea Seedlings
Once your sweet pea seedlings have developed a strong root system and have reached a height of 2-3 inches, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger pots or outdoors.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, increasing the duration over several days.
- Choosing a Pot: Select pots that are at least 6 inches in diameter for each seedling. Ensure the pots have drainage holes.
- Transplantation: Gently remove the seedlings from their original containers, being careful not to damage the roots. Plant them in their new pots, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Caring for Your Indoor Sweet Peas
Once your sweet peas are happily established in their new homes, continue to provide them with the care they need to thrive:
- Sunlight: Ensure your sweet peas receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re using grow lights, adjust their height and duration to provide optimal light levels.
- Watering: Water your sweet peas regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your sweet peas every 2-3 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage continued blooms.
- Support: As your sweet peas grow, they’ll need support. Provide stakes or trellises for them to climb.
Enjoying Your Indoor Blooms
With proper care, your indoor sweet peas should begin to bloom within 8-10 weeks after sowing. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delicate fragrance of these beautiful flowers in your home.
Sweet Pea Growing Tips and Tricks
- Pinch back the stems: Pinching back the top of the plant encourages bushier growth and more blooms.
- Use a pH-balanced potting mix: Sweet peas prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
- Avoid overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
- Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I grow sweet peas indoors year-round?
A: While you can grow sweet peas indoors during the winter months, they typically prefer cooler temperatures and longer days. If you live in a region with mild winters, you may be able to grow them indoors year-round with proper care.
Q: What are the best varieties for indoor growing?
A: Choose compact varieties that are known for their early blooming and vigorous growth. Some popular choices include ‘Cupani,’ ‘Matucana,’ and ‘Sweetheart.’
Q: Can I grow sweet peas from seed indoors and then transplant them outdoors?
A: Yes, you can start sweet pea seeds indoors and then transplant them outdoors once the weather has warmed up. This gives your seedlings a head start and allows them to bloom earlier in the season.
Q: What should I do if my sweet peas aren‘t blooming?
A: If your sweet peas aren‘t blooming, it could be due to insufficient light, improper watering, or lack of nutrients. Ensure your plants are receiving enough sunlight, water them regularly, and fertilize them every 2-3 weeks.
Q: How long do sweet peas bloom indoors?
A: Sweet peas typically bloom for several weeks indoors. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continued blooms.
