Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

TRANSPLANT (recommended) - In mild areas, sweet peas can be sown into pots in mid/late autumn and allowed to overwinter in a protected area, transplanting in late winter-early spring. In areas that experience hard frosts, sow 10-12 weeks before the last frost. Sow one - two seeds per cell into forestry tubes (50mm x 50mm x 120mm)  These longer pots allow for the deeper root growth of the pea seedling. 10°C  is the optimum for germination. Beware of bottom heat overheating if needed at night. Test with a thermostat and remove doomed lid. Soaking seeds is not necessary and it may reduce germination; chipping is not needed but should do no harm. Use a coarse multi-purpose propagation mix and ensure seeds are covered by no more than 5mm of compost after sowing. Evenly water to settle seed in. To avoid fungal issues, allow the surface to slightly dry between waterings. Place the pots in a cold frame or cold greenhouse and protect against mice and slugs. Germination should take place between 14-21 days. Once germinated, give the seedlings lots of light to ensure they do not become leggy.

DIRECT SOW - As newly germinating sweetpeas are very attractive to mice, snails and slugs, we tend to not direct sow. Direct seed late April - mid/late July. Sweet peas optimum germination temperature is 10°C. If you live in a cooler region, you can sow into August. Press seed 5mm deep into soil amended with well rotted compost. Evenly water to settle seed in. To avoid fungal issues, allow the surface to slightly dry between waterings.

HARVEST/VASE LIFE - Sweet peas have a short vase life - 4-6 days. To try and extend this, harvest in the coolest part of the day, when two flowers are open and put a bit of sugar or flower food into the vase water.