Sweet Pea Seeds

Probably the nation’s favourite hardy annual! These beautifully scented blooms are suitable for climbing up trellis and nets, growing to 180cm(6ft) or dwarfs, like patio pots and ground cover. There is a large selection of varieties available, all suitable for superb cut flower displays, ranging from bicolours, striped, flakes, picotee edging and marbles.

Spencer Types – More recently bred and highly recommended for exhibitions. Blooms are large, frilly and fl amboyant with a good scent and available in almost every colour.

Modern Grandiflora – The most recent introductions and are the results of a renewed interest in scent. They combine heritage heirloom varieties with Spencer types. Flowers are larger and stem length is higher with improved yields.

Grandiflora – Heritage varieties from the early years of sweet peas, many dating back to the early 19th century. Blooms have stronger scents but smaller fl owers on shorter stems.

How to Sow and Grow Sweet Peas

Before sowing, soak seeds in tepid water overnight before sowing or gently file one side of the tough seed coat. Sow indoors, singly, in 7.5cm(3in) pots of seed compost at a temperature of 15-20°C(60-68°F). Cover seeds to a depth of 1.5cm/½in. Keep in a bright but cooler environment once germinated. Harden off and plant outside.

Or sow outdoors for ease, where they are to flower, 1.5cm(½in) deep into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Sow 2 seeds together every 30cm(1ft). Remove weaker seedling, which can then be transplanted. Pick blooms regularly to prolong flowering.

Prepare the soil before planting by digging in well-rotted garden compost or manure and adding some general purpose fertiliser. Apply a high potassium liquid fertiliser once or twice a week in pots.