Discover the Secrets to How to Grow Sweet Peas Sarah Raven: Expert Advice for a Thriving Garden

Sweet peas are a beloved flower, known for their delicate beauty and intoxicating fragrance. If you’re looking to add a touch of charm and romance to your garden, growing sweet peas is a wonderful choice. And who better to learn from than the renowned gardening expert, Sarah Raven?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into Sarah Raven’s methods for cultivating these delightful blooms, covering everything from seed sowing to harvesting. Get ready to transform your garden into a fragrant paradise!

Choosing the Right Sweet Pea Variety

Sarah Raven emphasizes the importance of selecting the right sweet pea variety for your garden. She recommends choosing varieties that are known for their fragrance, flower size, and growth habit. Some of her favorite varieties include:

• ‘Matucana’: A classic sweet pea with large, fragrant blooms in a range of colors.
• ‘Cupani’: A compact variety with vibrant, ruffled flowers that are perfect for containers.
• ‘Painted Lady’: A stunning mix of pastel shades with a strong, sweet scent.

When choosing sweet pea varieties, consider the following factors:

• Climate: Some varieties are better suited to specific climates. Check the seed packet for information on cold hardiness and heat tolerance.
• Flower Color: Choose colors that complement your existing garden design.
• Growth Habit: Some varieties are more compact, while others are vining and require support.

Preparing the Soil for Sweet Peas

Sweet peas thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Sarah Raven recommends amending your soil with compost or manure to improve its structure and fertility. Here are some tips for preparing your soil:

• Dig over the soil: Turn over the top 12 inches of soil to loosen it and incorporate amendments.
• Add compost or manure: Work in a generous amount of compost or manure to improve drainage and provide nutrients.
• Test soil pH: Sweet peas prefer a slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5). If your soil is too alkaline, you can adjust the pH by adding sulfur.

Sowing Sweet Pea Seeds

Sweet pea seeds can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors. Sarah Raven prefers to sow seeds directly outdoors in late winter or early spring, as this allows the plants to establish themselves before the summer heat arrives.
Direct Sowing:

• Sow seeds in rows: Space rows 12-18 inches apart.
• Plant seeds 1 inch deep: Cover the seeds with soil and water gently.
• Thin seedlings: Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to 6-8 inches apart.

Starting Seeds Indoors:

• Sow seeds in peat pots or seed trays: Fill the containers with seed starting mix and sow one seed per pot.
• Keep the soil moist: Water regularly and maintain a temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Harden off seedlings: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day.

Providing Support for Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are climbing plants that require support to grow upright. Sarah Raven recommends using sturdy trellises or stakes to provide support for your sweet peas.
Types of Support:

• Trellises: Trellises can be made from wood, metal, or bamboo. Choose a trellis that is tall enough to accommodate the height of your sweet pea variety.
• Stakes: Stakes can be made from bamboo, metal, or wood. Drive stakes into the ground near the base of the plants and attach the vines to the stakes with twine or clips.
• Netting: Netting can be used to create a supportive framework for your sweet peas. It is especially useful for large areas where you want to create a wall of flowers.

Watering and Fertilizing Sweet Peas

Sweet peas need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Sarah Raven recommends watering deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once a month.
• Side-dress with compost: Spread a layer of compost around the base of the plants to provide additional nutrients.
• Avoid over-fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can cause the plants to produce more foliage than flowers.

Deadheading Sweet Peas

Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers to encourage the plants to produce more blooms. Sarah Raven recommends deadheading regularly to keep your sweet peas flowering for a longer period.
Deadheading Tips:

• Pinch off spent flowers: Remove the flowers just below the first set of leaves.
• Deadhead regularly: Deadhead every few days to keep the plants blooming profusely.
• Remove seed pods: If you want to save seeds, leave a few seed pods on the plants. Otherwise, remove them to encourage more blooms.

Harvesting Sweet Peas

Once your sweet peas are in full bloom, you can begin harvesting them for bouquets or to enjoy indoors.
Harvesting Tips:

• Cut stems in the morning: Harvest stems in the morning when they are at their freshest.
• Cut stems at an angle: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to help them absorb water more easily.
• Remove lower leaves: Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water to prevent rotting.

A Sweet Pea Paradise: Growing Your Own Fragrant Blooms

By following Sarah Raven‘s methods, you can create a fragrant paradise filled with beautiful sweet pea blooms. Remember to choose the right varieties, prepare the soil, provide support, and water and fertilize regularly. Deadheading your plants will keep them blooming for a longer period, and you can enjoy the beautiful flowers in your home or garden.

Questions You May Have

Q: When is the best time to plant sweet pea seeds?
A: The best time to plant sweet pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, after the last frost. You can also start seeds indoors in early spring and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.
Q: How often should I water my sweet peas?
A: Water your sweet peas deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot and dry weather, you may need to water more often.
Q: How do I know if my sweet peas are getting enough nutrients?
A: If your sweet peas are not growing well or producing many flowers, they may be lacking nutrients. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month and side-dress with compost to provide additional nutrients.
Q: Can I save seeds from my sweet peas?
A: Yes, you can save seeds from your sweet peas. Leave a few seed pods on the plants to mature and then harvest them when they are dry.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect sweet peas?
A: Sweet peas can be affected by pests such as aphids and spider mites. They can also be susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Control pests and diseases by using organic methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.