“Yes, what Brian is saying is absolutely correct, sweet pea varieties will almost always come true from seed,” he confirms. “So if you save seed of a blue-flowering variety, then that seed will produce a blue-flowering plant.
Are peas true to seed?
Peas tend to be self-fertile although they can be cross-pollinated. This makes maintaining a pure strain relatively easy, even on an allotment site where people nearby are growing different varieties. To avoid cross-pollination just grow different varieties in different parts of the plot separated by other crops.
Can sweet peas be grown from seed?
Sweet peas are easy to grow from seed in either autumn or spring. If sowing in autumn ensure you have the room to grow them on in a frost-free place until spring. Sweet pea seeds germinate relatively easily.
What to do with sweet peas when they go to seed?
Bring the seedpods indoors and remove the seeds from the pods. Line a flat surface, such as a countertop or cookie sheet, with newspaper and let the seeds dry for about three days. Once dry, put them in a freezer bag or Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep them dry. Store them in a cool place until planting time.
Do sweet pea flowers produce seeds?
Sweet pea flowers come in many colors, making them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. To plant more sweet peas, you can harvest and dry the pods and collect the seeds for planting the following year.
Do sweet peas reseed themselves?
Will sweet peas self-seed? Yes, in warmer climates. If you leave your sweet pea plants to turn to seed in fall, and allow those seed pods to pop open and disperse the seeds, it is absolutely possible for some to self-seed next year.
Do sweet peas grow back every year?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) only live for a year, dying after setting seed. But don’t let this put you off as they are super easy to grow from seed. Perennial species such as Lathyrus latifolius come back year after year, but mostly lack fragrance and there are fewer to choose from.
What month do you plant sweet peas?
when to plant sweet peas. Sow sweet pea seeds between October and April. For best results aim for late October/November or late February/March as temperatures and light levels are less than ideal in midwinter. Sweet peas can also be sown direct into the ground in April or May.
Should I soak sweet pea seeds before planting?
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. This softens the seed coat and speeds up the sprouting process. While the seeds are soaking, fill your planting pots with good quality potting soil. Sweet peas produce abundant roots, so use the deepest pots you can find.
How long does it take sweet peas to grow?
Sweet peas begin to produce flowers 90 to 120 days after planting seeds, depending on the species and cultivar.
Why are sweet peas poisonous?
Sweet Pea Toxicity
The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous, containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. Symptoms of Lathyrus are paralysis, labored breathing, and convulsions.
Why are my sweet pea seeds not growing?
Seeds take anywhere from 10 to 28 days to germinate completely, depending on weather and soil temperature. If your sweet peas do not germinate well, dig down to see if the seeds are still there. If they have rotted or been eaten, plant more right away as they will catch up quickly.
Should I remove pods from sweet peas?
Once your sweet pea plants are in full flower make sure that you dead-head them and remove seed pods as soon as possible to encourage more blooms to be produced.
How do you get seeds from peas?
If pea pods are not completely dry before the first frost, pull the plants up, root first, and hang them in a cool, dry location until the pods are brown and dry. When the pea pods are completely dry, break them open to release the seeds.
Do sweet pea flowers produce peas?
Like edible peas, sweet pea plants grow on vines and produce pods containing seeds that can be planted to grow plants the next year, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The major differences are that their flowers are highly fragrant and the peas are poisonous and you should not eat them.
Should you pick sweet peas as soon as they flower?
Pick stems when the lower three flowers are fully open, but the top flower is only just unfurling.
How long does sweet pea live?
If you actively maintain your cut sweet peas, they may last beautifully for up to one week.
Are sweet peas invasive?
Sweet peas are not considered a harmful or invasive plant, but they can be annoying when growing where you don’t want them. Luckily, there are several ways to control and kill wild sweet peas.
Why are my sweet peas not flowering?
The reason your sweet peas are not blooming is often because of lack of sun, high temperatures or too much fertilizer. Sweet peas are native to the Mediterranean and flower best in full sun, medium to low nutrient soil with regular watering. Heat waves can also temporarily prevent blooming.
Can sweet peas survive winter?
Sweet peas are a hardy annual, which means they will tolerate cold, even a light frost below if freezing. They are tougher than they look and will take a regular frost down to around -4.
Can you plant sweet peas in February?
The lore is that the best sweet peas are sown in December to give them time to get their roots down while the cold air of winter keeps the top growth sturdy. However, I’ve found sowing in January and early February gives as good results.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. She believes that food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget or dietary restrictions. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy – perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro!