How to Grow Sweet Peas
How to Grow Sweet Peas: Quick Version
Start them in deep trays 1/2” below the soil. (We do not recommend soaking your seeds.)
50-60 degrees to germinate near a bright window or in a greenhouse, do not use a heating mat.
Gently overhead water, never bottom soak.
Transplant a few weeks before your last frost.
Transplant to a heavily composted area.
Use a trellis to support their vines.
How to Grow Sweet Peas: Extended Version
Start your sweet pea seeds in deep trays 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.
The potting soil medium we use is Pro Mix BX. Take your potting mix and mix water into it then pack your trays with the soil.
Use a pen to poke ½” holes into each pot, and press seed in, sprinkle with more Pro Mix.
Place your Sweet Pea tray near a bright window targeting 50-60 degrees or in a greenhouse. Do not use heating mats, this will encourage bacteria and will be too hot for your Sweet Peas. They love the cold.
Overhead water and keep the soil moist.
When your Sweet Peas are 4-6 inches tall, pinch out the center leaving 2-3 leaf nodes. This encourages branching and more blooms.
Prior to transplanting, harden them off. Place outside during the day.
Location to plant: aim for morning sun and afternoon shade. Otherwise, full sun is fine.
Dig a 1’ deep trench along where you will plant your Sweet Peas and fill with compost or rotting manure. Sweet Peas are heavy feeders and need this to thrive.
Use a trellis to support them. We use T-Posts 8 feet apart and stretch hortanova netting with zip ties, and sometimes metal fencing to give them support.
When you transplant, we recommend 4-6 inch spacing for seed production and 1-2 inch spacing for cut flowers.
Sweet Peas love water. Water 2-3 times a week. We use drip irrigation lines and water for one hour 2-3 times a week.
When Sweet Peas are a foot tall, spray with compost tea in the evening.
Sweet Peas will grow at one foot per week, use twine to tie them to the trellis for support and long stems.
Cut frequently to encourage more blooms, if focused on seed production, do not cut the flowers.
For the longest vase life, cut flowers that have 2 unopened blooms at the top. Add sugar to the vase water. Vase life is around 5 days.
