How Do You Grow Spencer Sweet Peas?

Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked. In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, plant in fall; seeds will germinate and form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart.

What is the best way to grow sweet peas?

Sweet peas are happiest with their heads in the sun and their roots deep in cool, moist soil. When possible, plant low-growing annuals in front of them to shade their roots. Choose a well-drained site. Alkaline soil is best; sprinkle some powdered lime on the surface if your soil tends to be acidic.

Do you need to soak sweet pea seeds 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.

What are Spencer type sweet peas?

Spencer Sweet Peas have very large frilly flowers and long stems make these extremely popular for cutting and for exhibition, as well as for garden decoration. All are scented and are summer flowering. Scroll down to see our Mixtures of Sweet Pea seeds or click on the side bar for individual colour groups.

How deep do sweet peas need to be planted?

Now sow one or two seeds 1 cm deep in each and water thoroughly. Ideally keep them in a cool greenhouse or cold frame, or start them on the windowsill of an unheated room, then move them out to a frame once germinated. Sweet pea plants produce an initial shoot which grows to a few centimetres.

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.

Do I need a trellis for sweet peas?

Because Sweet Peas are vining, they need support to grow up and flower. Many types of structures can work such as a trellis, supports with mesh or twine, or fences. They need a structure that is well anchored in the ground to support the weight of the vines.

Can sweet peas grow in pots?

With a few simple tips and tricks you can have colourful and fragrant Sweet Peas all summer long! Sweet Peas grow beautifully in pots and containers. All they need are great soil, sunshine, water and something to climb. Then sit back and wait for your beautifully scented sweet peas to grow and flourish.

Can I 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.

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.

How tall do Spencer sweet peas grow?

4-6 ft. tall
Sweet Peas resent hot and humid weather. Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).

What is the best sweet pea variety?

Most Fragrant Sweet Peas

• Lathyrus odoratus ‘Black Knight’ (Sweet Pea)
• Lathyrus odoratus ‘Cupani’ (Sweet Pea)
• Lathyrus odoratus ‘Dorothy Eckford’ (Sweet Pea)
• Lathyrus odoratus ‘Flora Norton’ (Sweet Pea)
• Lathyrus odoratus ‘Gwendoline’ (Sweet Pea)
• Lathyrus odoratus ‘Lady Grisel Hamilton’ (Sweet Pea)

What is the most fragrant sweet pea?

Lathyrus odoratus
Lathyrus odoratus ‘Matucana’
An old fashioned variety that has been around for hundreds of years. It is perhaps the most famous of the really fragrant sweet peas.

Will sweet peas grow up a fence?

Sweet peas develop curly tendrils that allow them to climb up fences and trellises, creating a magical feel. They are easy to grow in many climates with adequate preparation for the growing season.

Can you plant sweet peas in hanging baskets?

Care Information. Patio sweet peas work well when grown in containers and hanging baskets without other plants to create a delightful and eyecatchihg display. Alternatively, they can be grown with other plants where they will wind their way up the stems to create spectacular effects.

How do you keep sweet peas blooming?

Sweet peas should have direct sunlight for six to eight hours every day. The more light the plants have, the better they flower. And speaking of light, they prefer long days. The ideal day length is 16 hours, followed by eight hours of darkness.

Can you plant sweet peas in April?

In April, once your sweet peas are growing well and the main risk of frost has passed, you can pop them outside to acclimatise them to outdoor conditions for a week or so before planting them in their final position.

Can sweet peas survive frost?

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.

Are sweet peas easy to grow?

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 can you not plant with sweet peas?

Just as there are good companion plants to grow with peas, there are also plants that will inhibit your peas from growing properly. Alliums like onions, garlic, and chives stunt the growth of peas. Avoid planting peas and alliums in the same garden beds.

How tall should sweet pea Canes be?

6 feet tall
The canes need to be at least 6 feet tall. Make sure you tie the first shorts to the netting to start them climbing. After planting it is a good idea to give plants a light dressing of slug bait.