Sweet Peas - How to start these easy to grow beauties indoors now
Is there anything more beautiful than a freshly picked bouquet of Sweet Peas? I am instantly transported to my grandmother’s garden.
Sweet Peas add charm and delightful fragrance to a garden and I’m happy to say these are one of the easiest annuals to grow from seed. I started mine indoors yesterday. They will be ready to plant out in the garden in March.
My root trainers
This type of seed starter opens up like a book for easy removal and allows the long root run that sweet peas love.
I purchased them from Lee Valley last year. I think they have a different version of deep-root seed starters but I don’t think special starters are necessary.
These seeds were purchased on-line at Floret Farms.
This time I decided to soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat. I have also scarified the seed before planting (Martha Stewart recommends this method) and also planted straight out of the packet. It all seems to work.
I fill the seed trays with special seed starting mix, pressing down gently to make sure there are no air pockets.
I am using a dibber to make the planting holes but you can use whatever you have, including your finger. I plant two seeds per hole about half to one inch deep. I am planting several varieties here so I label the rows. If very dry, you will want to dampen the soil before filling your containers. I also gave the flat a light watering after sowing all the seeds. This small Hawes indoor watering can has the most gentle watering rose that makes it perfect for seed sowing and watering.
I cover the tray with a plastic dome to keep the moisture in and speed up seed germination
I have this tray on a table in my office. Once I see the green shoots I will remove the dome and pop the tray under my grow light. You can also place the tray on a window sill or anywhere they will receive bright light. Once the seedlings are 4 to 6 inches tall, pinch the stems back, leaving two or three leaf nodes. I use a little pair of scissors so that I am not too heavy handed :)
I will plant out the seedlings when the weather has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. My sweet peas grow up a metal obelisk. I tie them in to the support and when I am doing so I cut off the tendrils that they use to cling with. I was told by my Grannie that these just use up some of the plants energy. I’m not sure this is true but my Grannie had the most amazing sweet peas. xo
I will be planting lots of other seeds in the next few weeks. I will be planting cosmos, zinnias, nigella, and larkspur. Happy gardening!
More garden related posts below xo
Is there anything more rewarding than growing your flowers from seed? Sweet Peas are easy to grow and give an abundance of flowers all season long, filling your home and garden with their intoxicating fragrance.