[barbarella]

I sowed my sweet peas on 3 October, the same as last year, following some really good instructions I printed off the internet (sorry, I forgot to make a note of the link).  It says to stop the plants in January, when they have at least two pairs of true leaves, to encourage side shoots. I did this last January, but this year I have noticed the plants romping away - they all have at least two pairs of true leaves, and some have three. 

The plants are all in an open cold frame by the way.  Last year I closed the cold frame on very cold nights but I haven't had to do this so far this year. 

I guess I should stop them now, rather than wait until January, but I'd be grateful for some opinions. 

[Goosegirl]

If it worked well for you last year, then I would go ahead and pinch them back. With this mild weather, you may need to do it again before spring but they should develop into nice, bushy plants.

[Lupin lurcher]

Hi I dont no if i am qualified to answer this question, but my guess is the mild weather we have had this year, this time last year we had quite a few frots and very cold temps.  Once the weather turns cold I think your sweet peas will prob. slow down.
Mandy

[NigelB]

 It's looking like being a good autumn for sweet peas so far then.
Mine too have proper burst into action...... which also means I've over-sown them, again. 
Just stop them at the size you usually would, the dates are only a rough guide.
Anyway..... winter will be here soon enough I reckon.

[Kristen]

I pinch mine back to two pairs-of-leaves once they have got to 3 or 4 pairs-of-leaves.  its normally well before January

Mice ate some of mine last year ... I've put some traps down this year (in the greenhouse)

[tode]

I let mine grow outside in place, and don't pinch out till Spring.

[barbarella]

I think the consensus might be to pinch out.  I have got quite a few - v.good germination this year - so I may leave a few and just pinch out the more leggy ones.  A couple have got tendrils already and are trying to grab on to their neighbours .

We don't seem to have a mice problem at home, probably because we have three expert mousers.  Different story on the allotment though, so I start off all my legumes in pots. 

[Paul Plots]

I let mine grow outside in place, and don't pinch out till Spring.

Warmer where you are than here?

My sweet-peas are still in the packet! I guess I had better get some into pots....