Sweet Pea
A member of the bean family, sweet peas come in both bush and vining varieties. These very fragrant flowers may not be pet friendly as the plant is toxic.
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Burpee’s Galaxy Mixed Mammoth Mixed Sweet Dreams Mixed |
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Lathyrus odoratus |
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Intermediate |
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Intermediate |
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2-4 years if properly stored |
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Annual |
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10-14 days |
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6-12′ (climbing) |
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Full sun |
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60 days |
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Feb, Mar, Apr |
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Yes |
Growing Tips
When to Start
Spring: Direct sow when there is still a chance of frost. (February – Mid April for Jefferson, GA)
Late Fall/Winter: Direct sow in late fall or in the winter. (My best guess, November for Jefferson, GA)
How to Start
The seeds have a tough coat that makes it difficult for them to germinate without a little help. You can soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours or nick the seeds with a file or sharp knife to make it easier for water to penetrate the seed. Direct sow sweet pea seeds in early spring while there is still a chance of light frost. Or Direct sow in late fall or winter.
Care
Sweet peas come in both bush and climbing types. Both types are vines, but the bush types don’t grow as tall and can support themselves without the aid of a trellis. If you are growing climbing sweet peas, have your trellis in place before planting the sweet pea seeds so that you don’t damage the roots by trying to install it later.
Avoid planting them near a wall where air can’t circulate freely. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded site and prepare the soil by working in a 2-inch layer of compost to improve soil fertility and drainage. Sow the seeds an inch deep, spacing climbing types 6 inches apart and bush types 1 foot apart. The sweet pea seeds usually emerge in about 10 days to 2 weeks.
Pinch out the growing tips of the plants when they are about 6 inches tall to stimulate lateral growth and business. This is a good time to mulch the plants as well. Keep the soil moist by watering slowly and deeply. Fertilize with half-strength liquid fertilizer 2 times during the growing season. Too much fertilizer encourages foliage at the expense of sweet pea flowers. Pick off spent flowers to encourage new blossoms.
Seed Saving
Isolation Distance
Insect dependent for pollination. Isolate 1/4 mile to prevent cross-pollination.
Instructions
Select healthy, robust plants free of any signs of disease or insect infestation for seeds. Seeds carry the traits of the parent plant. Choose plants that exhibit the traits you wish to preserve. Consider bloom size, color, and shape, as well as blooming time.
Allow the biggest and healthiest blooms to mature on the plant. Cover the seed head with a fine-mesh bag as soon as the flower petals shrivel and die. Use an elastic band to hold the bag in place. This prevents seeds from spilling onto the soil before harvest.
Clip the flower head from the main stem once the seeds are dry and dark. Separate plant debris from the seeds by removing the mesh bag and placing the flower head in a paper bag and shaking to loosen the seeds. Seeds settle to the bottom of the bag. Remove plant debris by hand.
Features
- Attracts pollinators
- Good-cut flowers
- Container friendly
- Sweet Dreams Mixed: An old-fashioned-looking sweet pea, with room-filling fragrance. The large flowers have ruffled, bicolor petals on 8-12″ stems. Good for flower arrangements. Plants are heat tolerant but do best in cool conditions.
Caution: Sweet pea seeds are toxic if eaten.