Welcome to my guide to growing sweet peas! Sweet peas are a beautiful, fragrant flower with a rich history and culture. Keep reading for all kinds of great information about growing sweet peas.
In this blog post, I’ll cover all you need to know about when to plant sweet peas, how to grow them in a container, and some of the more popular types of sweet peas you can choose from.
I also have some fun facts about these delicate flowers that will give your garden an extra touch of color.
So let’s get started!
History of Sweet Peas
The sweet pea plant has a long and interesting history. It was first grown in Sicily, Italy over 200 years ago by an Italian monk, who noticed the attractive scent of the flower. Since then, it has become one of the most popular flowers grown in gardens around the world.
How to Sow Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are easy to sow, but there are some key steps you should follow. First, choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun and has well-drained soil. Dig the soil and loosen it up before planting the seeds – this will help the plants grow better.
Sweet pea plants need room to climb, so make sure you leave enough space between each plant when sowing them. Finally, water the seeds until they’re damp, and keep an eye on them as they begin to germinate and mature.
When to Plant Sweet Peas
The best time to sow sweet peas is late winter or early spring when the soil temperature is between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (or 7-24C). This will give your plants plenty of time to grow before summer arrives.
For areas with mild winters, you can also sow in autumn for a beautiful spring display!
Growing Sweet Peas in a Container
Growing sweet peas in a container is easy and rewarding! Start by purchasing pots that are at least 12 inches deep and have good drainage holes on the bottom.
Fill your pot with potting soil mixed with compost or manure, then place your seeds into the soil about 1 inch apart from each other. Water regularly, making sure not to overwater.
When the plants start to grow, make sure you give them something to climb on. You can use trellises, netting, or supports such as bamboo poles or sticks – just make sure that it’s securely attached and won’t fall over.
Keep an eye out for pests, and remove any dead leaves or flowers as they appear.
How to Care for Sweet Peas
Caring for sweet peas is relatively straightforward. Water them regularly, and make sure you remove any weeds that grow around the plants. Regular pruning will help keep your sweet pea plants healthy, as it encourages new growth.
Additionally, fertilizing your plants every few weeks can help give them a boost
Sweet Pea Pests and Diseases
Like any other plant, sweet peas can be affected by pests and diseases. Common sweet pea pests include aphids and slugs, while common diseases include wilt and powdery mildew.
To prevent infestations or disease outbreaks, make sure you are regularly inspecting your plants for signs of damage or infection.
How to Choose Flowers for Bouquets
Sweet peas have a beautiful fragrance and look great in bouquets! When picking the blooms for your bouquet, look for ones with long stems and vibrant colors – they will last longer in a vase.
Avoid picking sweet pea blooms that are too small or wilted, as these won’t last as long.
Popular Types of Sweet Peas to Grow
There are many different types of sweet pea plants that come in all kinds of colors and shapes. Below are just a few varieties of sweet peas you can grow:
- Royal Blend Sweet Peas
- Beaujolais Sweet Peas
- Knee Hi Blend Sweet Peas
- My Navy Sweet Peas
- Mammoth Blend Sweet Peas
Royal Blend sweet peas are a mixture of deep purple, pink and white flowers that can reach up to 6 feet in height. This heirloom variety will add great color and fragrance when you bring them indoors in a bouquet!
Beaujolais sweet peas are a rich, dark burgundy that is sure to stand out in any garden. The red, ruffled petals look great when grown with sweet peas that are pastel in color.
Knee Hi Blend sweet peas are smaller plants with a beautiful array of colors including red, white, and blue. They’re perfect for containers or hanging baskets!
My Navy sweet peas have a deep navy blue hue and large blooms. Pollinators will enjoy visiting these flowers in your garden as well!
Mammoth blend sweet peas are tall plants with clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. Their tall stems with large flowers make them great for cutting into bouquets!
What to Grow with Sweet Peas
When growing sweet peas, it’s best to plant them near other climbing plants like clematis or morning glories. Other companion plants that look good with sweet peas are poppies and hollyhocks.
They also will make a great addition to a cutting garden with other flowers!
Fun Facts About Sweet Peas
- Sweet peas are edible and have been used in salads for centuries.
- “Sweet pea” comes from the Greek term for “fragrant flower”.
- They make excellent cut flowers for bouquets!
- Sweet peas are a symbol of blissful pleasure and delicate beauty.
- They were first cultivated in England in the late 18th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about growing sweet peas.
What is the secret to growing sweet peas?
The secret to growing sweet peas is patience! Sweet pea plants can take a long time to mature, so give them plenty of space and water and make sure you provide them with good soil.
Additionally, fertilizing your plants every few weeks can help keep them healthy and give them an extra boost.
What is the best month to plant sweet peas?
The best time to sow sweet peas is late winter or early spring when the soil temperature is between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (or 7-24C). This will give your plants plenty of time to grow before summer arrives.
For areas with mild winters, you can also sow in autumn for a beautiful spring display!
Do I need a trellis for sweet peas?
Yes, sweet peas need something to climb on such as trellises, netting, or bamboo poles. Make sure whatever you use is securely attached and won’t fall over. This will help your plants stay upright and look healthy!
How long does it take sweet peas to grow?
It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks for sweet peas to reach maturity. This will depend on the variety you’re growing, as well as the climate and conditions of your garden.
Make sure to check the packet of seeds you purchase to see how long it typically takes for them to germinate, and give yourself enough time to get the most out of your sweet peas.
I hope these tips have been helpful in getting started with growing sweet peas! They make a delightful addition to any garden and can provide you with lots of gorgeous blooms.
With the right care, they will thrive and bring you joy for many seasons to come. Good luck!
Growing Sweet Peas Conclusion
Growing sweet peas is easy and rewarding – there’s nothing quite like enjoying their beautiful blooms and delightful fragrance! With a little bit of care, you can enjoy sweet peas for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for a stunning bouquet or just want to add some color to your garden, sweet peas are always a great choice!
Happy Planting!