| mid-October |
Autumn sowing only -
fill small pots (6cm / 2-3in) with moist compost and sow one seed per pot to a
depth of 1.5cm (1/2in). Maintain a temperature of around 15°C (60°F).
Use a sharp penknife to chip the seed coating opposite the 'eye' (small scar
on the seed) to assist with germination (don't soak the seeds). |
| mid November |
Autumn sowing only -
transfer to a cold frame or the greenhouse. Protect from harsh frosts. |
|
When the seedlings have grown three pairs of leaves
|
Autumn sowing only - when the seedlings have grown three pairs of leaves, pinch out the
growing tip. This will cause several further shoots to grow from the three
sets of leaves resulting in a healthier plant with many more flowers. |
| mid March
|
Spring sowing only -
fill small pots (6cm / 2-3in) with moist compost and sow one seed per
pot to a depth of 1.5cm (1/2in). Maintain a temperature of around 15°C (60°F).
Use a sharp penknife to chip the seed coating opposite the 'eye' (small scar
on the seed) to assist with germination (don't soak the seeds). |
|
late April
|
All - prepare the site for planting Sweet Peas by digging to at least
one
spade's depth and incorporate lots of well-rotted compost. |
|
When the seedlings have grown one pair of leaves
|
Spring sowing only - when the seedlings have grown one pair of leaves,
pinch out the growing tip. This will cause several further shoots to
grow from the three sets of leaves resulting in a healthier plant with
many more flowers. |
All spring and summer
early July to
mid August
|
If you want the best Sweet
Pea flowers pinch off the tendrils as the plant grows. Tie the plants to
the supporting stakes every 30cm (1ft) or so. |
| Whilst flowering in August to
early November
|
Cut the flowers frequently and certainly prior to them
setting seed. Sweet Peas are superb as cut flowers. |
| After the first frost in early September to
early November
|
Cut the tops of the plants off and put
them on the compost heap. Leave the roots in the ground to rot over the
winter, they are a good source of nitrogen. |
