My Sweet Pea Obsession

Sweet peas are an extremely popular and delightful flowering plant that has been grown for centuries. With its delicate, sweet fragrance and colorful blooms, it’s no wonder that the sweet pea blooms have become a favorite among gardeners worldwide and my obsession as of lately. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of growing sweet peas, how to grow them, and how to harvest them.

Benefits of Growing Sweet Peas

Flowers, in particular the sweet pea are not just beautiful to look at; they are also beneficial to the environment. These plants are known to attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Pollinators play a vital role in our ecosystem by helping plants reproduce and grow, which in turn supports our food chain.

Moreover, sweet peas are also useful as a cut flower, as they can be used to decorate the home or as a gift for loved ones. The plant’s long stem and vibrant colors make them an excellent choice for flower arrangements.

How to Grow Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are relatively easy to grow, and they can be grown both in containers and directly in the ground. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow sweet peas.

1. Choose a Location: Sweet peas grow best in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Make sure the area you choose has good airflow to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
2. Prepare the Soil: Sweet peas require fertile soil with good drainage. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.
3. Plant the Seeds: Sow the seeds directly into the ground in early spring or start them indoors six weeks before the last frost date. I prefer to use soil blocks to start these flowers. Thier roots do not like to be disturbed and it allows me to grow them indoors and not man handle their roots when I plant out. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. The flowers shown in the picture came from Johnnys (not sponsored).
4. Water the Seeds: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the seeds deeply once a week, especially during dry spells.
5. Provide Support: Sweet peas require support as they grow. Provide them with trellis or stakes to climb on.
6. Fertilize: Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and blooms. I prefer to use a mixture that has a ton of minerals as well as a general NPK. My favorite is our Hunters Pro Blend mixture.
7. Prune: Pinch back the tips of the plants when they reach 6 inches tall to encourage branching and more blooms.

How to Harvest Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are ready for harvest when they are fully mature, and the petals have started to fall off. Here’s how to harvest sweet peas.

1. Harvest in the Morning: Harvest sweet peas in the morning when the flowers are at their freshest.
2. Cut the Stems: Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the stem of the sweet pea, making sure to cut it just above a set of leaves.
3. Remove the Leaves: Strip off the leaves from the lower half of the stem to prevent them from decaying in the water.
4. Place in Water: Place the sweet peas in a vase of water to enjoy their beauty and fragrance. Unfortunately, their vase life is about 3 days. So, enjoy them while you can!

In conclusion, sweet pea flowers are a beautiful and beneficial plant to grow in your garden. With their attractive flowers and sweet fragrance, they can be used for decorative purposes or as a gift. Additionally, sweet peas play a crucial role in supporting pollinators, which in turn supports the ecosystem. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can grow your sweet peas successfully and enjoy their beauty and fragrance for months to come.