There's no doubting that the best time to sow sweet peas is in the autumn. This mimics Mother Nature's timing as the seed from the spent annuals falls to the ground. The lack of sunlight and cooler temperatures slow the top growth – promoting a healthy root system as a desirable side effect. As Spring warms the air, and the soil becomes more dry, the well established root system is in pole position to search for deeper and deeper water reserves. But this doesn't suit all growers or climates…

Autumn Sown

The well favoured British way of growing sweet peas is to sow the seeds under glass in the autumn, and harden the seedlings off under glass in a coldframe for the winter. October and November are normal, but with milder winters we must be careful not to get too much top growth which could easily be damaged. For plants grown using the cordon-method this is a prerequisite, likewise for exhibition quality blooms. This doesn't suit most gardeners, however, as it rarely coincides with their growing schedule for other plants.

Winter Sown

An alternative is to sow in January or Febuary. Seeds might need a little encouragement to germinate – a cool windowsill is ideal, but care must be taken to ensure that plants do not become 'leggy'. Plants should be hardened off by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in if the nights are likely to become very cold. After a few days of this the plants can be moved out to a cold frame or unheated glass house. If the sun is strong, the vents should be opened to prevent the conditions becoming too warm and accelerating top growth. By mid March the plants should be ready to plant out, and if they have been hardened off sufficiently, will be quite able to wether all but the hardest frosts.

Spring Sown

Perhaps most common amongst hobbyist gardeners is to sow seeds in spring. Coldframes and greenhouses should not be necessary, however, it is still preferable to sow in pots, or Rootrainers where soil and temperature conditions can be more easily controlled. Seeds can be sown like this in March and April and will give great results. Occasional protection from frosts may be required and can be provided by means of a fleece, or cloche, or straw.

Late Spring Sown

If spring is wet and murky, and foreward planning of your summer garden is the furthest thing from your mind, it is easy to forget to buy and plant annuals. Don't despair! Planting seeds in May will yield flowers by late summer and into Autumn when other flowers are beginning to fade. Planting directly into the growing site is worth a go this late on – and with so little effort invested in growing this way, you haven't much to lose!

Created
Mar 20, 2011, 9:59 am

Views
1077