Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: Lupin lurcher on March 17, 2010, 14:06

Title: Sweet peas
Post by: Lupin lurcher on March 17, 2010, 14:06
Hi I sowed my sweet peas 2 weeks ago today.  I soaked them overnight in warm water then planted 3 seeds in a three inch pot, I used a seed and potting compost lightly covered with vermiculite.  I have them in one of those plastic covered 5 tiered greenhouses. I am a bit worried because there is no sign of life there whatsover, the other seeds I sowed on the same day are all doing fine.  Can anyone please tell me where I have gone wrong and if I should buy some new ones and start again.  Mandy.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Slowgrind on March 17, 2010, 14:31
Got my seeds planted a week ago, no signs yet. It is still quite cold but  getting warmer.
I'm sure that the shoots will appear soon!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: madcat on March 17, 2010, 14:40
I'll go with that - mine took 2 weeks in the utility room.  A green house outside would be getting pretty cold some of these clear nights.  Have you got somewhere you could keep them a bit warmer until they show?
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: rhythmvick on March 17, 2010, 14:52
Quick related question - haven't grown sweet peas before and was going to sow in my modules in my kitchen this weekend. Do you always have to soak pea/sweet pea seeds? And why?
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Lupin lurcher on March 17, 2010, 14:56
Not really, the spare room is full of potatoes chitting, windowsills full of tomatoes, chillies marigolds.  I could bring them in at night and put them on the kitchen worktop?  rhythmvick I think you soak them to soften the shell, it says it gives them a head start, in my case not.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: madcat on March 17, 2010, 15:10
I think it is a case of if you remember then good, if not, oh well!  I didn't soak mine - because I hadn't read that bit of the board until after I had planted them!   ::)  They are doing fine .... 

Not really, the spare room is full of potatoes chitting, windowsills full of tomatoes, chillies marigolds.  I could bring them in at night and put them on the kitchen worktop? 
Sounds like your house and mine have a lot in common!   :D :D  It might be a good idea on the nights when there is going to be a frost.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: rhythmvick on March 17, 2010, 15:13
All good advice, thanks guys! So exciting to be planting all these seeds - went home for lunch and three basil shoots had wooshed up since this morning  :D This is only my second year so I'm a newbie to this and it's sooooo addictive  :lol:

@madcat - love your tagline!!  8)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Lupin lurcher on March 17, 2010, 16:21
Thanks madcat I will do that.  I will be glad when summer is here and I can get back to some normality  :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Trillium on March 17, 2010, 16:51
I'm sure sweetpeas were invented as a test of patience as mine seem to take forever as well. But when things are as they like them, up they come like little rockets. I plant mine and forget them until they need to be guided into their netting.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: madcat on March 17, 2010, 16:58
Trillium - forgive me for being nosy and I suspect I'm being thick, but in your strapline.....  what is a Chia jacket?
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Trillium on March 17, 2010, 17:09
It's a running joke from the chia seed line, and I've almost had the jacket happen when I forgot some seeds in my pocket.  :D

3_zwx6OXjMc
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Kristen on March 17, 2010, 17:39
Quick related question - haven't grown sweet peas before and was going to sow in my modules in my kitchen this weekend. Do you always have to soak pea/sweet pea seeds? And why?
Sweet peas have a hard coat, so I suppose they struggle to absorb water, start germinating and then break through the coat. But they must manage in the wild ...

I've seen advice to cut the coat with a knife, or using a nail-file / sand-paper. I've tried that, you'll need much more dexterous fingers than I've got to succeed!

I chit mine in ramekins lined with kitchen paper (kept "very nearly wet") until a root appears, then pop each one into a tall, slim, pot (usually a Rich'y Paper Pot).
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: madcat on March 17, 2010, 17:51
It's a running joke from the chia seed line, and I've almost had the jacket happen when I forgot some seeds in my pocket.  :D

3_zwx6OXjMc

Ahhh  ......  can see how that would happen!   :D :D  OH has a habit of leaving radish seeds in his overalls when they go in the washer.   >:(
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Stree on March 17, 2010, 18:40
Hello again, its been a while.............
Well last year I had sweetpeas blooming by 1st May, from a September 1st sowing.......
For various reasons never got round to an autumn sowing last year and planted 5 different types  in loo roll tubes about 2 weeks ago.... My greenhouse is not glazed yet, but the staging is built, so thats where they ended up. Draped some polythene sheet over the greenhouse frame to keep the wind off. This morning counted 15 seedlings.... none were chitted scraped sandpapered, soaked or any way assisted. Just pushed into moist compost.
The  types I have are  Mammoth mixed, Incense mixed, high scent  and Kneehigh mix for containers. all from sweetpea specialists online, and the usual pound shop mix.
All chosen for maximum scent along with very different size and colour ranges..
Bit of experimenting on siting and soils this year.....
Some will go straight into a poor border soil, nothing done to it except top few inches dug over. riddled with tree and shrub roots all near the surface and at the other end of the scale a plot that  has previously grown runner beans, been double double dug, ferociously weeded, had a barrow of well rotted pigmuck dug in, copious amounts of goose and hen muck and soiled straw bedding dug in, and rotvated.. all before winter ... I reckon I could get housebricks to sprout  on that soil.......
The kneehigh mix will go in another border with decent well dug soil, and containers and maybe window boxes...
By the way, when I sowed the sweetpeas  as described above I also sowed cauliflower carrot onion lettuce and some Gallardia and all of these sprouted well before the sweetpeas. Basically just in seedtrays sat  on a bench outside...
Mentioning the greenhouse above, I will update the thread on it soon in the construction bit. Just the timberwork to finish on the roof and then glazing..........Using Acrylic..........about £700:00  worth of it.....Bit more than  I thought !
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Lupin lurcher on March 18, 2010, 15:46
Thanks everyone for your advice and encouragement.  I think I will keep fingers crossed for the ones I have already got and be patient.  I do need some more I think I will give Kristens way a go. Stree your soil sounds the bizz, good luck with the rest of your greenhouse.  I hope you don`t mind but can you post the name of the sweet pea specialist website for me. Many thanks to everyone. Mandy.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Lupin lurcher on March 21, 2010, 18:16
The sun has got his hat on,
Hip Hip Horray,
The sun has got his hat on
and my sweet peas came out today.
 :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Trillium on March 21, 2010, 21:54
I get quite a few of my sweet peas through Sutton seeds. They don't have all available varieties, but they have a good number.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on March 21, 2010, 22:19
I sowed about 12 sweet peas in toilet roll tubes and they came through today after 3 weeks of worrying  :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Stree on March 22, 2010, 08:19
Mine are doing well to say they are outside. 50 showing now.........
I have heard it can help plants if you play music....... So seeing is they are in toilet tubes, maybe Lou Rawls, or the Izal Brothers?
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mumofstig on March 22, 2010, 08:41
groan groan  ::) :D
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Lupin lurcher on March 22, 2010, 08:56
Thanks Trillium will have a look.  Stree you better not play anthing by the Black Eyed Peas, you may get the wrong type of pea  :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Slowgrind on March 22, 2010, 11:27
Mine too!!!!!!  :tongue2:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Sweet-Pea on March 22, 2010, 22:00
LL~
Your sweet peas will take anything from two weeks onwards to germinate, depending on the prevailing conditions. It has to be said that some varieties are quicker than others though (there's a suprising amount of variation in the size, uniformity, hardness etc of the different seeds).

Opinions vary as to whether or not 'chitting' the seed is necessary. My personal opinion is that it doesn't seem to do any harm, but I'm not convinced it's always necessary.

Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Lupin lurcher on March 25, 2010, 13:33
Thanks Sweet Pea, they are up and running now.  I have just ordered some called sweetie they are the type you grow in hanging baskets, I thought I may give that ago, they will hopefully look lovely against my shed down the lotty.  I have a 6ft x 6ft trilis which I am growing the grow the ones that have statred shooting.  Can`t wait.  Love them.  Regards Mandy. :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on March 28, 2010, 19:57
The sweet peas are growing stron now, ive heared people say to pinch off the top the plant but is it tooo early to do this, when should it be done?
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: 1st time veg grower on March 29, 2010, 09:19
I was told to do it when my seedlings had two sets of 'true' leaves and to pinch out the growing point. Mine reached that point about 10 days ago, and since I've done it have really started to bush out. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: joyce c on March 29, 2010, 17:48
I have about 2 doz Sweet peas in my cold frame, they are really strong and healthy, standing at about 6" to 8".I have nipped the tops about 3 times.  As I live in the North, do you think I should keep them in the cold frame a while longer, or would they be able to go out into their final positions. Bearing in mind we could still get frost and snow. Also someone bought me some sweet peas from a garden centre, there's about 10 in a 3" pot. How should I care for them.?
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on March 29, 2010, 17:58
Joyce I think I would stick the garden centre sweet-peas in with the others in the cold-frame just to make sure they are happy being outside.. keep it ventilated / open.

As for putting the lot out on the plot.... whenever you decide to go for it make sure the weather wont give them too much of a battering before they get established in their final growing positions - then keep them watered well but not drowned.

You could try a bit of cover (couple of sheets of polycarbonate) over them for a few days if it is not too warm and bright (fat chance  of that!)

Best of luck  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: joyce c on March 29, 2010, 19:13
Thanks for your swift reply.  Should I leave all the 10 bought seedlings (about 3") in the 3" pot until I transfer to final position, or should I pot them onto bigger/deeper containers.
I've just obtained a greenhouse (whoo hoo) and raring to go. So you'll be seeing my postings all over this site   :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Kristen on March 29, 2010, 19:20
If I've understood you correctly you have about 10 seedlings in a 3" pot?

if so you should split them up and plant them one-per-pot so they can grow on in their own pot / space, and then you will have 10 separate plants that won't be disturbed when you plant them out.

(I spend far too long when buying Sweet Pea seedlings counting the number of plants-per-pot and buying the pots with the most in!)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: joyce c on March 29, 2010, 19:26
You've certainly read it correctly.  And I know what you mean about counting . I do exactly the same, and I'm sure many more like us.  :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: compost on March 29, 2010, 20:26
A sure fire way, get a saucer, layer it with cotton wool, soak well with clean water, place seeds on top and fill saucer until seeds almost immersed. Place second saucer upturned onto first saucer and then place the whole lot on the kitchen window sill. Daily checks required and as soon as the seeds sprout remove top saucer.
When seedlings large enough to handle replant into moist growing medium with just the tips showing.
Good luck.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on March 29, 2010, 23:33
Thanks for your swift reply.  Should I leave all the 10 bought seedlings (about 3") in the 3" pot until I transfer to final position, or should I pot them onto bigger/deeper containers.
I've just obtained a greenhouse (whoo hoo) and raring to go. So you'll be seeing my postings all over this site   :lol:

I think I might be tempted to split them now - take care teasing the roots apart...
Transplanting now should be easier than untangling the roots when they have more of them.

If I use 3" pots I stick about 3 seeds per pot then bung the lot in as they are when planting out.

Good luck - and may the perfume be with you soon!!  :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Slowgrind on March 30, 2010, 07:30
Ah! That first smell of the summer's sweet peas, intoxicating!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Kristen on March 30, 2010, 11:19
Just a thought: Sweet Peas grow deep - they would benefit from deeper pots (although you can plant them out soon, you don't have to wait frosts to be gone, but you should harden them off before planting out. But  bringing them on in greenhouse / conservatory / windowsill will save some time I suppose, and in that case deeper pots will help. I use Richy's Paper Pots for sweet peas - mine are only 2" diameter, if that, but are 6" - 7" deep
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: joyce c on March 30, 2010, 16:03
I've used the root trainers, and although they're expensive, I think I've invested well.  On the other hand I've also used the self made ones with newspaper, and they're proving equally as good.  I've been putting them out during the day and putting back into the un heated greenhouse at night.  I think if I were to plant them out at the moment, all this dreadful rain would wash them away.  My garden is sodden. Roll on some sunny days.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Rangerkris on April 03, 2010, 17:27
Ive sown some today never done them before  :D they was free with some tumbling toms that we got for hanging baskets today.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on April 04, 2010, 15:46
I always give mine a good soaking first and wait (and wait, and wait) for a sign of life before potting them up.  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: rhythmvick on April 06, 2010, 10:36
Mine have gone crazy over the last week or so - I didn't soak them or do anything in preparation - just stuck 'em in the compost in the modules in the freezer bags on the windowsill! I thought they were looking a bit 'leggy' (although I'm new to all this so am having to guess what 'leggy looks like  ::) ) However, they look like they've calmed down a bit over the last couple of days, thankfully!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on April 06, 2010, 18:03
Mine have gone crazy over the last week or so - I didn't soak them or do anything in preparation - just stuck 'em in the compost in the modules in the freezer bags on the windowsill! I thought they were looking a bit 'leggy' (although I'm new to all this so am having to guess what 'leggy looks like  ::) ) However, they look like they've calmed down a bit over the last couple of days, thankfully!

"Pinching out" the tips will help reduce legginess and encourage them to send out side shoots but wait until you have a couple of sets of leaves at least.  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: earthing83 on April 12, 2010, 21:53
Can anyone give me some sweet pea advice too?!

I sowed mine in tall newspaper pots and toilet roll tubes. Most germinated and shot up. I pinched out the tips when they had two true sets of leaves and they are now hardening off. They don't seem to be very strong looing though! They are floppy and the stems don't seem thick enough. This is my first time growing them and thought this was normal, until I saw the ones in the garden center looking much more...sturdy!
Do you think it's time to plant them somewhere with a support? They are around 15-20 cm tall.
Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on April 13, 2010, 14:10
I think they will be fine to plant out providing they have been hardened off (got used to being in the open air rather than a greenhouse).

I've had mine in an open cold-frame for a couple of weeks - their stems appear quite fragile / thin but once they are planted out they'll thicken and get cracking.

My dad always put a bit of protection around his (few sheets of glass to keep the wind off) but I usually plant next to a warm fence or wall and leave them to it.  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Rangerkris on April 13, 2010, 18:14
Some are popping through today, only just but they are popping.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on April 13, 2010, 19:44
Some are popping through today, only just but they are popping.

I thought they only popped when the seed pods had formed, dried in the sun and then they popped!  :blink:  :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: rhythmvick on April 15, 2010, 12:04
I planted some out at the weekend under a cloche/top of a squash bottle (!) and they are doing so well - well done, my lovely little sweet peas!!

The ones that I put in paperpots a couple of weeks ago inside are doing well and will be able to go out in the next couple of weeks.  :D :D :D Have never grown them before so am looking forward to sweet peas on the bedside table - what a lovely thing to see when you wake up!!  :happy:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Hey Jude on April 15, 2010, 15:40
Last year for the first time I made a concerted effort to remove the tendrils as the plants grew to see if I got more flowers and was overwhelmed with beautiful blooms. It was a tad time consuming, but I used to go out first thing in the morning when the family was still asleep and nip off any I could see - in fact, I had so many sweet peas I was taking bunches round to my neighbours and anyone who came was regaled with the cry of 'oh you must take a bunch of sweet peas with you when you go.....' I think I was quite popular!! Jude.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on April 15, 2010, 18:40
Last year for the first time I made a concerted effort to remove the tendrils as the plants grew to see if I got more flowers and was overwhelmed with beautiful blooms. It was a tad time consuming, but I used to go out first thing in the morning when the family was still asleep and nip off any I could see - in fact, I had so many sweet peas I was taking bunches round to my neighbours and anyone who came was regaled with the cry of 'oh you must take a bunch of sweet peas with you when you go.....' I think I was quite popular!! Jude.

I'm not sure where the idea came from - "nipping off the tendrils" - but my mum has often said this works. My dad, on the other hand, had never any intention of trying it due to the amount of time it would take. It'd be interesting to plant 10 plants with identical growing conditions - nip the tendrils from 5 and see if there really is a difference....

I do know that if you allow pods to form the plant stops producing flowers considering its job done... but keeping up with the picking can be time consuming too..  ::)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: hoporus on April 16, 2010, 19:12
Hi    Last year when i planted my sweet peas outside it was a bit early but was given a tip which worked well  Using clear plastic pop bottles cut them in half and remove lids Place the tops and bottoms over the planted sweet peas and it helps keep the soil warm  Well youd think i had nothing better to do but i tried it and they came up ok  Start drinking now and try it lol
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Kristen on April 16, 2010, 20:48
As a family we put all our used 2L "Pop" bottles in a box, instead of recycle, and its surprising how many there are in the box come the Spring; and Loo-rolls and Kitchen-rolls!!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on April 16, 2010, 20:59
Im so proud of my sweet peas so far. They are about 4 inch high with plenty of side shoots and are looking realy healthy :D
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on April 17, 2010, 00:22
Im so proud of my sweet peas so far. They are about 4 inch high with plenty of side shoots and are looking realy healthy :D

Well done you!   :)

If your plants are from bought-seed I'd try to remember to collect some of the drying seed pods at the end of the season - could save a mint for the following year  ;)

I do this most years adding just one packet of something fancy each year... I have quite a variety of flower colours from randomly collected seeds.. They cross pollinate freely – I’m not sure how long it would be before they revert to less attractive forms….but they smell lovely! ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on April 17, 2010, 08:05
thanks, good idea :D
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on June 09, 2010, 07:25
Well, i planted mine out a while back and the plants havent done anything, not grown up  the netting ive pput in place, there not dead, but just arent doing ought :unsure:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: gillie on June 09, 2010, 07:58
Well, i planted mine out a while back and the plants havent done anything, not grown up  the netting ive pput in place, there not dead, but just arent doing ought :unsure:

My sweet peas always hang around like this - and then suddenly they take off...

Gillie
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Hey Jude on June 09, 2010, 09:36
I've just been out looking at my sweet peas and after the rain we've had, they've really grown in a matter of days - I think the weather isn't helping at the moment - a couple of cloudy days, then scorching sun that saps their energy (and mine!), and then torrential rain, there's no happy medium! Jude.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 10, 2010, 01:26
Picked my first bunch today - a very small bunch = 3  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Hey Jude on June 10, 2010, 21:42
Small is beautiful Learner!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mobilekat on June 11, 2010, 22:08
Well done on having flowers, mine are taking their time- apparently I will enjoy them more when they get there (but I was a bit late planting them!

All we need now are some photos to admire! 8)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 11, 2010, 23:15

All we need now are some photos to admire! 8)

 ;) Not this year's though...
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mobilekat on June 11, 2010, 23:20
Thanks- they look wonderful, and I bet they smelt like heaven! :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 11, 2010, 23:20
Thanks- they look wonderful, and I bet they smelt like heaven! :)

Ponged perfeckly!  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: rock_chick on June 14, 2010, 14:44
I've finally managed to grow sweet peas! After countless years of trying, and failing abysmally, I picked our first bunch of sweet peas today!  :D
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Hey Jude on June 14, 2010, 19:40
Rock Chick, great to hear that you didn't give up and have now been rewarded!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 14, 2010, 22:26
I've finally managed to grow sweet peas! After countless years of trying, and failing abysmally, I picked our first bunch of sweet peas today!  :D

And don't they smell wonderful  :)  :happy:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mumofstig on June 14, 2010, 22:31
My first flower today, pale pink and smells luverly  :D
But they haven't grown very tall yet, this year.......still as long as they flower 8)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 14, 2010, 22:37
My first flower today, pale pink and smells luverly  :D
But they haven't grown very tall yet, this year.......still as long as they flower 8)

Do you mean the plants are not very tall or the flower stalks?

Just asking as our first lot to flower have quite short stalks - I'm a bit surprised as they have had plenty of water - perhaps it is the variety.  ???
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mumofstig on June 14, 2010, 22:40
The plants haven't even managed half way up the trellis yet :(
I haven't noticed the flower stalk being any different :unsure: will look (and sniff) again tomorrow :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 14, 2010, 22:43
Perhaps, like many other things, they are a bit slow off the mark this year.... the warmer days have taken their time getting a good hold of the season.  :(
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Zippy on June 15, 2010, 00:05
I thought Sweetpeas could get on in poor soil (like mine are this year), but they are not putting on any bulk and don't seem to have grown since i planted them out from 3" pots about three weeks ago.

Do they prefer rich moist soil then? I have them in sandy towards dry (poor) soil.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: diggerjoe on June 15, 2010, 09:02
My sweet peas at the plot and at home are really slow and only about 2ft high so far normally they would be growing like mad. I am growing about 6 varieties this year and was looking forward to the old spice flowering seems it will be bending down to have a sniff. The foiliage looks ok.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 15, 2010, 22:35
Patience + water and sunshine  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: white westie on June 16, 2010, 22:16
Hi lupin lurcher,
Do not worry i planted mine in toilet rolls in the greenhouse they took three weeks to come up.You have to be patient.  :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Iwantone on June 17, 2010, 12:48
Stupid question time.
When do you pick them? I prefer flowers on the plant than in a vase but I understand they go to seed if you don't pick the flowers.

This is my first ever year growing anything flowery and I am really enjoying it.

Kathryn
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Hey Jude on June 17, 2010, 13:55
Kathryn pick them when the flowers are starting to open as opposed to a tight bud which is often just green coloured. They will run to seed if you don't pick them, but once you start cutting them they'll produce heaps so you'll have the best of both worlds - some in the house, some on the stems - perfick! Jude.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mumofstig on June 17, 2010, 14:09
Just make sure there are never any seed pods left on the plants, as soon as they start setting seed they are inclined to stop flowering.....no seeds makes flowers all summer :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: white westie on June 17, 2010, 21:54
Hi
heyjude and mum
Thanks for those tips i did not know that. :)
I wondered why mine all died of last year now i know. :(
Im growing some this year they are quite tall now so i will be picking them when there ready. :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 18, 2010, 16:17
Just make sure there are never any seed pods left on the plants, as soon as they start setting seed they are inclined to stop flowering.....no seeds makes flowers all summer :)

But.... when the plant eventually wins and you do get seed pods that you've not picked off towards the end of the season leave them there to fatten.

Once they are big and turning dry / brown pick them quick - place them somewhere to dry and you have next year's seeds to sow for free!!  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: DD. on June 18, 2010, 16:31
These are everlasting sweetpeas that I grew from a pod I errr - liberated - from Castle Cornet in Guernsey about 3 years ago. Make a nice souvenir.

Unscented, but a really nice show guaranteed to come every year.

I'll try & save some pods to pass on this year.

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/DSCF2529.jpg)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Iwantone on June 18, 2010, 16:33
Thankyou I shall get picking :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 18, 2010, 16:35
DD They are lovely!! Smashing colour.

Put me down for swaps please.... 6 seeds would be wonderful if you can spare them  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: DD. on June 18, 2010, 17:21
If I get enough, I shall no doubt be using the Swap Shop facilities!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: chris23005 on June 18, 2010, 17:39
I thought Sweetpeas could get on in poor soil (like mine are this year), but they are not putting on any bulk and don't seem to have grown since i planted them out from 3" pots about three weeks ago.

Do they prefer rich moist soil then? I have them in sandy towards dry (poor) soil.

Mine are exactly the same - in fact in desperation I planted some sweet peas directly into the ground next to them about ten days ago and they are popping up now and looking better than the ones I nurtured in newspaper pots. I am disappointed as I love sweet peas!  :(
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on June 19, 2010, 12:38
i have just found 3 flowers on mine ready to open, yipee :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mobilekat on June 20, 2010, 10:02
Mine are still sat about 12 inches tall looking innocent, and have been for a few weeks....
Have begun to threaten them with the compost heap- and then to replace them with something with a bit more enthusiasm!

Will try a good feed tonight and another firm talking too!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: tosca100 on June 20, 2010, 17:07
OH has just brought me my first sweet peas, not huge but the most glorious scent.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 20, 2010, 18:06
OH has just brought me my first sweet peas, not huge but the most glorious scent.

Like cream on the first strawberries or the first mouthful of new potatoes.... so worth waiting for!  :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on June 22, 2010, 10:24
I picked my first ever buch of sweet peas yesterday, with a grand total of two flowers :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 22, 2010, 14:08
I picked my first ever buch of sweet peas yesterday, with a grand total of two flowers :lol:

Keep picking - they keep producing for longer that way  ;)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: purplebean on June 23, 2010, 22:55
mine haven'teven germinated yet!!I sowed them about 4 weeks ago and nothing  :mad:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 23, 2010, 23:36
mine haven'teven germinated yet!!I sowed them about 4 weeks ago and nothing  :mad:

4 weeks and no show is rather a long time in this weather  :(

Too wet? Too dry? Mice?? (not sure whether mice will eat sweet peas  :unsure:

I think I'd stick some more in.... even if it is just a few or you are soon going to be a bit on the late side.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Hawkins on June 24, 2010, 01:00
Is anyone else jealous of the pictures DD puts up on the site or is it just me.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 24, 2010, 01:02
Is anyone else jealous of the pictures DD puts up on the site or is it just me.

Lovely blooms.... shame there's no scent - looks as if there ought to be though  ::)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: chris23005 on June 24, 2010, 07:53
I now have one flower on my PEAS .......... but the sweet peas still remain small and flowerless  :(
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Debz on June 24, 2010, 09:18
Mine are about 12 inches tall and lovely and green.  Just waiting for flower buds to come.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mumofstig on June 24, 2010, 10:10
Is anyone else jealous of the pictures DD puts up on the site or is it just me.

Lovely blooms.... shame there's no scent - looks as if there ought to be though  ::)

I think I'll try growing scented ones through some perennial ones, like DD's......at least that way I would get some reliable early flowers that look good on the trellis :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: tosca100 on June 24, 2010, 14:25
I can't remember what variety our sweet peas are, I think they are a heritage variety (pup ate the labels to those too!) small flowers but heavenly scent. Still not many though.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: 1st time veg grower on June 24, 2010, 17:51
I managed to pick the grand total of two flowers today! :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: chris23005 on June 24, 2010, 18:21
Someone I was talking to today suggested that my sweet peas are planted in the wrong place - i.e. too sunny and hot!!! It is quite possible - but as we have only just recently moved here I didn't really know which bits would get REALLY hot, and it is a bit desert like where they are.

Do you think it is worth me moving them to a shadier place which gets sun for only part of the day? Or is it now too late? They are still quite small.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: rock_chick on June 24, 2010, 19:57
Mine are in full sun, and I've got lots of flowers - I'm now giving them away, as I'm running out of vases and jars! Just make sure they don't dry out.
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Hey Jude on June 24, 2010, 20:18
Chris, I wouldn't move them if I were you, I think with this warm weather you may just finish them off. They do love loads of water (and I mean loads), so give them a really good drowning - leave the hose on them for a good half hour or so and a feed once a week should really help when they start flowering. This year I threw tons of rotted manure and green kitchen waste into the bed during early spring as you might do with a runner bean trench, it's now paying dividends - I'm still watering but only once a week. In the past week they've really taken off, and since Monday I've picked a really good sized bunch each day. Stick with them Chris, they're sooooo worth it!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: chris23005 on June 24, 2010, 22:16
Hmmmm, they have been watered with the hose every night in this weather. Maybe the soil there is just too poor for them. I will know what to do for next year anyway!!! In the meantime I will leave them where they are and hope for the best!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Paul Plots on June 24, 2010, 23:58
Is anyone else jealous of the pictures DD puts up on the site or is it just me.

Lovely blooms.... shame there's no scent - looks as if there ought to be though  ::)

I think I'll try growing scented ones through some perennial ones, like DD's......at least that way I would get some reliable early flowers that look good on the trellis :)

We had some that came up year after year in a wide border.... took us years to persuade them that they were in the wrong place!  ::)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: mumofstig on June 25, 2010, 08:27
Quote
We had some that came up year after year in a wide border.... took us years to persuade them that they were in the wrong place! 

if they are nigh on indestructable............then they sound just the right sort of plants for me :D
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: philskin on June 26, 2010, 11:04
heres some of ours i posted before i saw this sweet pea thread sorry but here i go again

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden018.jpg)

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden014.jpg)

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden017.jpg)

  this is the length of our fence about 30ft and 8ft high hoping its a good show this year

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden016.jpg)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: chris23005 on June 26, 2010, 11:35
heres some of ours i posted before i saw this sweet pea thread sorry but here i go again

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden018.jpg)

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden014.jpg)

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden017.jpg)

  this is the length of our fence about 30ft and 8ft high hoping its a good show this year

  (http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt5/phil1961/frontgarden016.jpg)


Sobs and hammers fists furiously on desk ............................... where is a "green with envy" smiley when you want one?  >:(
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: philskin on June 27, 2010, 08:17
ha ha sorry mate ,blame the wife not me ,she went to a local show and there so called expert told her to sow them in feb under glass in clumps so i did
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: chris23005 on June 27, 2010, 11:12
Mine were sown in March in newspaper pots and kept inside in the utility room, but it hasn't made a blind bit of difference! Ah well there is always next year - you are an inspiration!
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: tosca100 on June 28, 2010, 20:09
Small but beautiful scent......shame there's no smelly vision....

(http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv100/tosca100-dog/medalsweetpeashole017.jpg)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Starling on June 28, 2010, 20:30
This year was my first try, in loo rolls then planted out
(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab224/Starlinglp/DSCF1972.jpg)
(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab224/Starlinglp/DSCF1955.jpg)
(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab224/Starlinglp/DSCF1976.jpg)
(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab224/Starlinglp/DSCF1974.jpg)
(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab224/Starlinglp/DSCF1973.jpg)
The smell is heavenly, will definately be trying again next year :)
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: philskin on June 29, 2010, 08:59
its nice when a plan comes together as the a team used to say
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: tosca100 on June 29, 2010, 14:04
They're lovely, hope friends and family all like sweet peas! Wouldn't like to dead head that lot! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Sweet peas
Post by: Jamie Butterworth on July 01, 2010, 18:47
Im getting a vasefull of every couple of days, i love it when a plan comes together :) :D :D :D :D