How to Pick Sweet Pea Seeds

With their charming vines weaving in and out of the garden and bright profusion flowers, it's no wonder that sweet peas are one of the most popular annuals. In addition, sweet peas are one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain. They are also easily propagated so you can keep your sweet peas going year after year. Gathering the seeds is easy. Wait until the pods are dry and brown; most of them will pop open on their own and drop the seeds on the ground.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Newspaper
• Cloth sack or paper envelopes

Instructions

1. Gather seeds that have burst from the pods. After the last flower has faded, pods that resemble edible pea pods will form. Resist picking them, and wait until they turn brown and brittle. Most of the time they will burst open and the seeds will fall to the ground.

2. Squeeze the pods that don't open on their own until they crack and expose the seeds. The pods should be brown and dry. You may have to pry open the more stubborn ones with your fingers.

3. Spread the seeds on the newspaper in an area that won't be disturbed.

4. Pick out the dry seeds and put them in cloth bags or paper envelopes. Leave any seeds that that are green or moist from the ground on the newspaper to dry completely.

5. Store the seeds in a dry, cool (but not cold) area for planting next year.

Tips & Warnings

• For more blooms on your sweet peas, dead head often. It won't effect your seed production.

References

• Enchanted Sweet Peas
• Renee's Garden
• Texas Cooperative Extension