How to Harvest Sweet pea Seed Pods

Unlike other types of peas, which are grown primarily for their pea pods, sweet peas are grown for their flowers. But, like all peas, they produce pods which can be harvested and used to grow more sweet peas the following year. Although some sweet peas reseed naturally, harvesting the seeds is the most reliable way to ensure you'll have all the sweet peas you want year after year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wait for the sweet pea flowers to die in late fall. Sweet pea vines do not begin seed formation until after the flowers have died.

2. Locate the sweet pea seed pods. After the sweet pea flowers have died, locate the seed pods so you can monitor them. Look for the pods to appear at the ends of the vine where the flowers once were. At first the pods will be long, thin and bright green.

3. Monitor the sweet pea pods to follow their development. The pods will turn from green to yellow and eventually, they will turn brown. When they turn brown, the seeds are mature.

4. Remove the pods from the vine. When the pods are brown, they are ready to be harvested. They disconnect with a gentle tug. You may find it easier to cut them off with a pair of garden shears.

5. Let the pods dry. Bring the pods inside and spread them out on a flat surface, such as a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the driest place in your house for two days.

6. Crack open the pods. When the pods are finished drying, gently crack open the pods with your fingernail. The pods may begin to open on their own.

7. Store the sweet pea seeds in dry, cool place until next spring. Place them in an envelope or freezer bag to help keep them dry.

[bgamble]

on 9/7/2009 I planted sweet peas this year and they are BEAUTIFUL. Almost orchid looking blooms attracting many hummingbirds. I very much want to plant them again next year so thought I'd harvest the seeds. Unlike the "How to Harvest Sweet pea Seed Pods" Instructions, my sweet pea vines have both MANY flowers in bloom and MANY seed pods. The seed pods are dark purple w/ 3 seeds within each. Many are plump, seem full grown and are 1-1/2 to 2" by 1" and oval in shape.

Since my plants are a bit different, can you offer advice as to when I should harvest? Will the indication they're ready by that the blooms have all died? Or will the pods darken in color (darker than dark purple) or appear dry? Or? Your advice is appreciated. Thanks so much!