First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas

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Broadhaven

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First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« on: January 14, 2011, 15:12 »
This is the first time I have sown sweet peas in the autumn, I have usually done it early in the new year. They have all sprouted and are in my unheated greenhouse. After the cold weather they do look rather wilted. Will they buck up when it gets warmer? or shall just sow some more?

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RichardA

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2011, 15:19 »
might be worth a light spray in case they have been very dry if potting compost frozen and not taking up moisture by roots. Check they are getting enough of the little light that is around currently. In some ways you don't want a lot of top growth just yet as they should be concentrating on making a good root system. I suspect they will buck up but if you do have any spare seeds you could start them in say a months time for sucession and/or spares
R

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Paul Plots

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2011, 15:20 »
There's no reason at all why they shouldn't make it.  :)

But, if it were me and I had some saved seed (cheaper!!), then I'd sow some more as we love the things!

Had you thought of putting your Autumn sown sweet-peas out in the big wide world? If where you want to grow them is sheltered and you have spare sheets of plastic or glass they could go out with a bit of protection. They are very hardy things and, after a bit of a snooze, they will make a quick get-away in the spring.

If not, keep them cool and not too wet, give them plenty of light and wait a bit. A cold-frame is ideal as an interim between greenhouse and outside. You don't want them to get too leggy.

Best of luck!  ;)


Please note I am in sunny Sussex so it's warmer down here most of the time!
« Last Edit: January 14, 2011, 15:21 by Learner »
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Broadhaven

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2011, 15:54 »
Thanks for your answers. In order for them to not get leggy should I be nipping out the top of them?

I don't feel brave enough to put them outside!! But will definatley sow some more. Can;t get enough of sweet peas.

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DD.

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2011, 15:55 »
Sweetpeas should be nipped out after the first 4 leaves have formed. If you haven't done this, you'd better get nipping!
Did it really tell you to do THAT on the packet?

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Elaine G

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2011, 18:40 »
Sorry to butt in on your thread Broadhaven, but can someone tell me if I didn't get around to sowing in autumn is it OK to do so now, or should I wait till its a little warmer?

Thanks
Elaine
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet - James Oppenheim

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Broadhaven

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2011, 18:59 »
Hi Elaine

I have only grown them twice before and you can most certainly start them off early in the year but not sure exactly when. I am sure someone who is in the know will let you know.
This is a bit of a test for me to start them off in autumn as they weren't very good last year.

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DD.

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2011, 20:33 »
I've just sown mine.

I've tried autumn sown ones to over winter in the past and just ended up with straggly plants despite pinching them out.


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sion01

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2011, 21:03 »
may I also appologise for butting in ,but.Having grown sweet peas for a few years I have only sown them in autumn once.And to be honest I couldn't see the benefit of it.
Is their a benefit?

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Paul Plots

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2011, 23:51 »
may I also appologise for butting in ,but.Having grown sweet peas for a few years I have only sown them in autumn once.And to be honest I couldn't see the benefit of it.
Is their a benefit?

My dad often sowed his early and had them in the ground under glass for the winter months. Down here they seemed to cope with the cold, had an early start and were often more robust plants.

Me... not so successful at autumn sowing - mine took ages to germinate and some rotted so didn't make it. These days I sow mid January indoors then transfer to unheated greenhouse asp and on to a cold-frame.

This year a dozen up in paper pots and well underway.... more to come I hope!  ;)

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DD.

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2011, 06:58 »
In reply as to the benefit of autumn sowing, I can only point to my post 3 up.

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Paul Plots

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #11 on: January 16, 2011, 10:38 »
In reply as to the benefit of autumn sowing, I can only point to my post 3 up.

Quite agree!  ;)

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Rampant_Weasel

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2011, 18:20 »
when you say nipping...do mean pull the ends off?

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DD.

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #13 on: January 21, 2011, 18:21 »
Not so much pulling as errrm, nipping.

Get the growing tip between your thumb nail & forefinger and - nip!

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mumofstig

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Re: First time sower of Autumn Sweet peas
« Reply #14 on: January 21, 2011, 18:23 »
do it with a pair of scissors if you have no nails (or indeed if you have posh painted ones) :lol:



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