by Barbara Smith, Delaware County Master Gardener
Go on, admit it. You’re charmed by sweet peas every time you see them in buckets at farmer’s markets, tumbling over neighbor’s fences, filling vases at friends’ desks and tabletops. When you draw close to those fluttery blooms and inhale their rich perfume, you want them in your garden. But then you realize it’s already late spring and well past planting time.
If that scenario sounds familiar, here’s your reminder. In our cold climate, February and March are the preferred months to start seed indoors for transplanting outside as soon as the soil can be worked. If you’ve never grown sweet peas before, you’re in for a treat. Besides the familiar vining types, there are now dwarf varieties perfect for pots and hanging baskets. Sweet peas will still grow despite our notorious hot summers, but they will not bloom as long--maybe only for six weeks.
Choose from single colors, like vivid orange or rich purple, or whisper-soft pastel blends. Ready to try? Buy a packet or two of seeds and then follow the planting tips below. When the flowers appear in spring, you’ll be glad you did.
Growing and care
Sweet peas do best in organically rich, well-drained soil. If your garden soil lacks these attributes, try this technique: Dig a trench 1 to 1½ feet deep. Mix 1 part peat moss or other soil conditioner with 2 parts soil. Backfill the trench with the mix, then plant seeds. Mulch with compost to keep roots cool. Seeds should germinate in 10 to 14 days.
When seedlings of vining types have three or four sets of leaves, encourage branching by pinching off the tops. Gently guide lengthening shoots through wire or string mesh to enhance support.
Water sweet peas regularly by hand or with a soaker hose to keep soil moist; avoid wetting the foliage. Feed plants every few weeks with dilute fish emulsion.
Once plants start flowering, pick off faded blossoms as often as daily or plants will start setting seed and bloom will stop. The best stems for bouquets have a few bottom buds open with the top ones getting ready to open.
SOURCES: Enchanting Sweet Peas 800/371-0233, Fragrant Garden Nursery or 541/412-8840, Renee’s Garden 888/880-7 228.
For further guidance, check out The Sweet Pea Book by Graham Rice (Timber Press, 2002)
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
May 10, 2008
Invasive Plants
Learn to recognize and control plants that have been introduced to the USA and are now taking over our landscapes. We'll suggest alternative native plants to use in place of those aggressive invasives. Cost: $10
June 14, 2008
Shade Gardening
Learn about annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees that will help you develop your shade garden to its full potential. Cost: $10.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
