March 23, 2001, Newsletter Issue #18: Sowing Sweet Peas.

Tip of the Week

Which Type To Grow?

The Grandifloras.
This is the most popular type, epitomised by the large flowered, wavy edged Spencer Sweet Pea, originally bred by an ancester of the late Princess of Wales.

The Spencers are good for general garden display and cutting , and are also the choice of the exhibitor
Colour range is extensive: countless named varieties and some beautiful mixtures are available.Grow to 6ft plus.

The Multifloras .
An older type with smaller blooms but a more plentiful supply. Said by many to have the best scent.
Available as mixtures only.

A must for general garden display and look particularly good in a cottage type garden. Grow to 6ft plus.

The Dwarfs
Small blooms on non-climbing plants. Available as mixtures. Can be planted into a bed or border, but look at their best in patio containers and hanging baskets. A little over 12" in height.

Sowing
Sweet Peas seeds are bullet hard and some colours, especially the deep blues can be difficult to germinate. To overcome this, simply soak the seeds overnight in water.
Fill up 3" pots with a a peat based potting , ( rather than seeding.) compost / mix.

Sow two seeds about an inch apart near the centre. Seeds should be covered with half an inch of compost and this is easily achieved by making holes with your index finger about the depth of your nail, then simply cover the seeds over. Cover the pots with milky polythene, check every day and remove those that show signs of germination .

Pinching Out

Two to three weeks after sowing, pinch out the tips of the Sweet Pea seedlings to just above the second pair of leaves. This encourages the plants to produce strong side shoots.

Watering
Don`t let the young plants dry out completely, try to keep them evenly moist.

Hardening Off.
When the plants are around four inches tall, move them into a coldframe or a sheltered part of the garden. Plant out 10 days later in a sunny position. Water them in with a weak solution of liquid fertilizer, such as miracle grow.


For details on growing exhibition quality blooms using the cordon method, please see the Sweet Pea section of EnglishGarden-tips

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