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Step 1
Sweet Peas!WHEN to plant:
In areas with mild winters and hot summers like Florida, directly sow seeds in the ground from late fall right into early spring.
In areas with mild winters and cool summers (Northwest) directly sowing mid-to late spring planting brings late-summer blooms.
In areas with cold winters start seeds inside six to eight weeks before setting out. Transplant in early spring as soon as weather permits. If you're are directly sowing seeds do so as soon as soil can be worked.
You can cheat and buy sweet peas from any supplier, but they won't have the heavenly scent that you will get from seeds. -
Step 2
WHERE to plant:
Select an area with full sun to part shade. Morning sun and afternoon shade is the best! Prepare well-draining soil to a depth of at least 1 foot and then add plenty of compost or manure! Sweet Peas love fish emulsion!
Early Bloomers: White Winter Elegance, Pink Diana Winter Elegance, Burgundy Winter Elegance
Mid-season: Countess Cadogan, Queen Alexandra, Janet Scott
Late Season: Restormel, Anniversary, Cupanil's Original -
Step 3
HOW to plant:
In coldest regions soak seeds indoors overnight or nick shell of seed with nail clippers to speed up germination. Plant seeds in potting soil in small pots or flats. Transplant in six to eight weeks or once winter lets up. To sow seeds directly into the soil(in warmer climates or later in the spring in cooler regions) plant 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. -
Step 4
AFTER:
Sweet Pea vines reach 6 feet tall, so staking is a must! Almost any vertical support works. I use weave branches from just-pruned trees and shrubs into a trellis.
