How Do I Collect Sweet Pea Seeds?

Collecting seeds from sweet peas is easy. 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.

When should I take sweet pea seeds?

Seed can be collected in early September. Leave the seed pods on the plants until they have turned a paper bag colour. Collect them on a dry day, remove them from their pods and store in paper bags in a dry place until you a ready to sow them.

Do sweet pea seeds need to be soaked before planting?

Many people recommend soaking seeds overnight before sowing to help them germinate. This is because some varieties have a hard outer shell. However, others suggest that soaking may lead to weaker plants. Generally, sweet peas should germinate fine without any treatment.

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 come 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 part of sweet pea is poisonous?

seeds
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.

What to do with sweet peas after flowering?

Cut down your sweet peas when they finish flowering, but leave the roots in the ground as they have little nodules on them which will add nitrogen to your soil.

Can you eat the peas off a sweet pea plant?

Sweet peas will keep flowering if you pick the flowers regularly – a good excuse to have some beautiful flowers in your home. Remember- sweet pea seed pods look similar to edible pea pods but they are poisonous and must not be eaten.

Can I sow sweet peas in January?

Sweet peas are annuals and can be sown in the spring. However, as with sowing the seeds in October, a January sowing enables the plants to develop strong roots, put on some early growth and provide larger plants to set out after the frosts.

Do sweet pea seeds need heat to germinate?

Sweet Peas are quick and easy to germinate, a little heat will speed up germination, but it is not essential. You can germinate Sweet Peas on a warm windowsill, conservatory or using heated propagator to get a temperature of about 15C/ 59F.

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.

How do you propagate sweet peas?

How to Take Sweet Pea Cuttings

1. 1: Choose Your Sweet Pea Seedlings. These sweet pea seedlings are about 2 months old and ready to be planted out.
2. 2: Make Your Cuttings. Using a sharp pair of clean scissors, cut a 5 inch piece of stem just above a pair of leaves.
3. 3: Place Cuttings In Water.

What do you do with sweet peas in the winter?

Sweet peas can withstand temperatures of about -5 at night but will not like to be frozen in their pots all day. If you overdo it and lose the top growth, chances are, if you give them some warmth they will have established enough root to sprout again.

At what stage do you pinch out sweet peas?

The best time to cut back is when the seedling has a pair or two of leaves, then cut it back the leaf and within a week/10 days you will see the extra stems appearing. More about growing sweet peas. You will have stronger and more floriferous plants.

Can you eat sweet peas raw?

Garden peas are sometimes called sweet peas or English peas. The pods are firm and rounded, but you must shell them, remove the peas inside, then discard the pods before eating. The peas are sweet and may be eaten raw or cooked; these are the peas you typically see canned or in the freezer section.

Can you eat sweet pea shells?

The sweet pea is a flowering plant that’s native to parts of the Mediterranean, but people grow it all over the world for the sweet-smelling and beautiful flowers. Sweet pea pods and seeds are not edible, but you can harvest them from the…

Can you eat sweet pea petals?

Only vegetable pea flowers can be eaten, not sweet pea flowers which are toxic. The petals can be added to salads, or cooked slightly and sweetened for a treat.

Is sweet pea poisonous to dogs?

Any of these plants can be considered toxic to your dog, cat, or other small animals. Although they sound like they should be edible, sweet pea plants are not food. As a matter of fact, they contain the toxic chemical called aminoproprionitrile, which causes musculoskeletal and central nervous system problems.

Do slugs like sweet peas?

Slugs find soft, succulent, fleshy foliage and stems particularly delicious. Plants that require a little extra protection include: Sweet peas.