Sweet Peas can be a little tricky to germinate,
but well worth the effort! They require ‘scarification’
to break their hard seed coat. The easiest method is to presoak them
for 8 - 24 hours before planting. Be sure to plant them as soon as possible
after the soaking period, or they will begin to rot in the water. Alternatively,
you can lightly roll them on a piece of sandpaper, so the coat gets
nicked. Then, sow at the recommended depth of 1”.
Sweet Peas need cool temperatures to germinate.
They will begin to sprout when temperatures are around 55 to 65 degrees.
Cold winter climates: Sow in very early
spring. This means St. Patrick’s Day or as soon as you can work
the soil. If you are having a dry spring, keep the area watered (but
not soggy), so the seeds remain viable until ready to sprout. Sweet
Peas can sometimes take as long as 2-4 weeks to sprout, so be patient.
The plants can handle light frosts –don’t worry about planting
too soon!
Warm winter climates: Sow in August or
early September for mid-winter bloom. If you have a warm fall, it might
be better to wait a little later in the season to plant. In warm climates,
you may be able to plant as late as January or February.
Planting Outside: It’s best to plant
them in a well-drained area. If you have a lot of rain or over water
the area, they may rot in the soil and not come up. The seedlings are
coveted by birds, slugs, and snails - you may want to put some netting
or screening over the area to deter birds and put out slug/snail bait.
Planting Inside: Start them inside 4-6
weeks before transplanting outside. Because Sweet Peas don’t like
to have their roots disturbed, sow in peat pots. They need cool temperatures
to germinate, so find a cool spot like a basement or unheated garage
to start them. After they sprout, put them under grow lights or where
they will get some sun, but still be fairly cool. Though they can handle
light frost, harden them off slowly to avoid shock.
Special Care: Sweet Peas like a deep,
rich, fertile soil. Prepare bed 1’-2’ deep with lots of
compost or peat. Soils should be slightly alkaline or neutral. Regular
feedings recommended. Keep roots cool by mulching and watering regularly
during the season. Remove spent blooms to increase bloom period.
Except for the dwarf varieties like Cupid Pink
and the bush type, Little Sweetheart, all Sweet Peas require a trellis
or fence for support and a sunny area to thrive. They will also do better
if protected from harsh winds and in a cooler spot away from the heat
of bricks or rock.
Finally, like beans and edible pea varieties,
it is a good idea to rotate your planting area at least every three
years to avoid the build-up of diseases and pests in the soil.
Note: Sweet Peas are not edible. All varieties
are poisonous, especially the flowers and seeds.
