The more you pinch the plant, the more it will flower. When the sweet pea plants are about 15cm tall, pinch off tips to encourage better branching and, ultimately, lusher growth.Train first shoots up the wire or netting to encourage upright growth.
Maintaining sweet peas for successful growth If growing from seedlings, plant these 15cm apart and water regularly to keep them moist, until established.Water regularly with a fine spray to keep the soil moist. Soak the sweet pea seeds in wet cotton wool overnight before sowing 10cm apart.Mix the top soil with compost, superphosphate and bone meal before returning it to the trench.If it does not drain easily, dig deeper and add a layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the trench before topping with a layer of soil. Test the drainage of the trench by filling it with water to see how quickly it drains. Dig a 40cm-deep trench along the length of the wall or support.
If sowing or planting climbing sweet peas, prop a net-covered support up in a north- or south-facing direction, or secure wire mesh to a north- or south-facing wall.
Sweet pea flower how to#
Learn how to get yours off to a good start in autumn, with the promise of success in spring. Sweet peas are the best way to herald in the spring season: delicately and sweetly scented, sweet pea flowers burst into colour as the weather warms up.