Sweet pea flowers add a colorful touch to a garden.Sweet peas have curly tendrils that allow them to climb up fences.They are easy to grow in a lot of climates.The first step is to learn how to grow flowers.
Step 1: Purchase sweet pea seeds.
The seeds for sweet peas are usually in the ground.You can either transplant them to the garden bed or start them outside.You can buy seeds at any garden store.You can check online retailers for rarer varieties.There are old-fashioned sweet peas that produce fragrant flowers.Spencer varieties have bright colors.They are in pink, purple, blue, white, and red.
Step 2: Determine when to plant your seeds.
It's important to know when to get sweet peas ready because they can be grown anywhere.They need to be planted as early as possible to form a strong root system.Your best bet is to start seeds early in the year.If you live in an area where the ground does not freeze in the winter, you can plant your seeds in November if you want, though you should wait until January or February.They'll emerge in the spring if you water them over the winter.If you live in an area where the winters are cold, starting seeds indoors is your best bet.As soon as the first frost has passed, the seedlings will be ready to plant.If you wait too long to plant your seeds, they won't have time to take hold in the soil before the summer weather gets hot.If you sow seeds directly in the ground in late winter, you can allow them to come up when they are ready.
Step 3: You can nick your seeds.
If you help penetrate the seed shell, sweet pea seeds have a better chance of germinating.You can either soak them in a pan of water overnight or use a small knife or nail clipper to remove the seeds.If you soak your seeds, only those that have swelled should be planted.Those that haven't changed in size should be discarded.
Step 4: The seeds should be placed in a seed container.
5 weeks before the last frost, prepare small seed trays or peat containers with a seed starting mixture.In either case, plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart.
Step 5: They should be kept warm and moist.
To regulate the temperature, cover the seeds trays with plastic wrap for the first week or so.In a place where the temperature won't drop below 70 F, keep them in a greenhouse or sunny window.After the last frost, keep the seedlings moist and warm until they're ready to plant.If you're using seed trays, thin out the seedlings to give them room to grow.The seedlings' energy can be used to grow new roots if there is a pinch of flowers and buds.
Step 6: There is a sunny spot in your yard.
Sweet peas are a great choice for exposed sections of fence and walls since they thrive in sunny areas.In the heat of summer, sweet peas will do well in partial shade, but it's better to find someplace sunny to be on the safe side.Finding a spot where sweet peas can grow is important.You can plant them near any type of pole.Sweet peas can be used as a natural decoration.If you have a wooden or chain link fence, plant sweet peas there.Sweet peas can be grown on archways.This choice will lend your garden a country cottage feel.If you don't have a suitable place to grow sweet peas, you can plant bamboo posts in your garden.It will interest you in your garden.There is a tower of stakes in a pot.Sweet peas can be planted among shrubs or vegetables.
Step 7: The soil should be enriched.
The best place to grow sweet peas is rich soil.Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 6 inches (15.2 cm) and working in some compost or manure.If your soil is clay heavy, you'll need to work in extra compost to make it drain well enough for sweet peas' roots.After a heavy rain, observe the soil for signs of drainage.The soil there doesn't drain well if water collects and puddles and takes time to drain.The water should not be a problem for your plants.If you feel your soil is too clay heavy to support plants, you can use a raised bed.This will allow you to grow other plants as well.
Step 8: The sweet peas can be planted in early spring.
If you want to plant your seeds directly in your garden bed, early spring is the best time to do it.You can plant in January or February if you live in a warm area.Wait until after the first frost in early to mid April if you live in an area where the ground does freeze.
Step 9: There are holes for the sweet peas.
To set the root balls into the ground, you need to dig holes 5 inches apart and deep.There is fresh soil around the stems of the plants.If you want to plant seeds directly in the ground, dig holes one inch deep and three inches apart.Each plant has enough room to grow if you thin them out to 5 inches (12.7 cm) apart.
Step 10: The sweet peas need water.
Give the plants a good amount of fresh water.Once the weather warms, the sweet peas will start to bloom.
Step 11: During the hot months, water them often.
Sweet peas need to be kept nice and wet.It doesn't rain if you water them lightly.It's important to check the soil surrounding the sweet pea stems to make sure it doesn't dry out.
Step 12: It's a good idea toFertilize once a month.
Monthly application of mild fertilization will keep sweet peas in bloom for many weeks.It's helpful if you want to make the most of your flowers.Compost, manure, or a high-potassium commercial application can be used.
Step 13: You should harvest the flowers regularly.
Bring in fresh flowers or make a bouquet for a friend if you want to promote new growth.The flowers have peaks that are fragrant and colorful.You can prevent more flowers from growing by removing faded blossoms.
Step 14: For next year's crop, save the seedpods from your plants.
The annuals won't come back on their own next year, but you can enjoy them if you save the seedpods and plant them again in the winter or spring.
Step 15: Once your peas are 6 inches or longer, pinch off the shoots.
There will be more side-shoots and flowers as a result of this.You can pinch the shoots with your fingernails.