Sweet Peas
We live in zone 3. My seeds will be planted in the middle of March.
In warmer climates, Sweet Peas should be planted in February.
At least 2 to 3 weeks before planting start germinating seeds in a plastic bag.
Place moistened paper towel and seeds into plastic bag. Keep top open and place by window.
Besides collecting my own seeds I will be ordering these "Wiltshire Ripples" from Thompson and Morgan.
Check seeds a few times and rinse them in cold water (to prevent mildew) and return to plastic bag. After about 2 weeks your seeds will have sprouted and they are ready to be planted. Sprouts look very tender but they are sturdy and are easily handled.
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It is the "odoratus" and "fragantissima" varieties which have the most heavenly scent.
Among the most fragrant Sweet Peas are the blue varieties such as "Chatsworth",
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Among the most fragrant Sweet Peas are the blue varieties such as "Chatsworth",
"Molly Rilestone" maybe my most favorite Sweet Pea.
Have a wonderful weekend my dear Friends.
Gina
Have a wonderful weekend my dear Friends.
Gina
Dear Gina,
ReplyDeleteYour Sweet Peas have the most wonderful colors and I appreciate that you share the many varieties we can choose from.I hope it is not too late
to start the process of germinating the seeds, because at the end of that it will be March. It just may be alright this year, since everything in the garden has been delayed by very cold temperatures. Wonderful photos and the flowers are, as always, so lovingly arranged.
Have a wonderful weekend, Sieglinde
Dear Sieglinde, I don't know if Sweet Peas do well in your climate. Have you tried to grow them in the past? They love very cool nights and lots of sunshine. It wouldn't hurt to give them a try.
DeleteYour sweet peas are beautiful, and there's obviously a mutual love affair between you and your flowers. Now I'm curious about the cupid plate behind your Wilitshire Ripples. Is it an antique or one of your own making?
ReplyDeleteDear Mark, I must confess. The plate is another one of my "engineered" antiques. It is so much fun to fool Father Time.
DeleteI like the look!
DeleteGina, thank you so much for these tips on getting those sweet pea seeds off to a promising start ... in February. You are making me yearn to have a garden. Maybe next year. It's great to have your advice to give me some encouragement.
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Dear Frances, This method of germinating Sweet Peas is so successful that I have stopped planting the seeds directly into the ground. I know that one day you will have a beautiful garden.
DeleteThank you for the reminder, dear Gina! I well remember your wise advice on growing sweet peas. Yours are gorgeous and such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteDear Georgianna, I can not imagine a garden without Sweet Peas. Often, when evenings are warm their perfume permeates the entire garden. It is a delicate and at the same time, very powerful scent.
DeleteThe Wiltshire Ripple is very pretty and a good timely reminder of jobs to be done.
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary, It has been my experience that Sweet Peas will produce larger and more abundant flowers if planted as early as possible. The Wiltshire Ripple also has a beautiful fragrance, even the newer colors of the Wiltshire Ripple fall into that category.
DeleteDear Gina, I remember your post from last year and I wanted to try this method for sweet pea flowers. I love sweet peas, our little old neighbor of many years ago had the most wonderful flowers and would bring bouquets to us. Now I want to be that little old neighbor to give flowers away.I started the seeds but now know that I must rinse them. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful things with us..Barbara B.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Barbara. Be sure to plant your little seedlings when they are about 2 to 3 inches tall. Then keep your fingers crossed that they don't freeze. If you live in an area where late frosts could occur, you might want to cover the seeds with a blanket of old leaves or straw.
ReplyDeleteThey are so gorgeous Gina - I think I may just have to give them a try this year in hopes they can stand the southeast heat later!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful they look nestled amongst your stunning ceramics - I can almost smell the perfume!
Hugs - Mary
Dear Mary, Yes, do give them a try. You can soak the seeds in water for about 8 hours and plant them directly into the ground in your area. Sweet Peas need the cold to bloom. I hope that they will work for you. It doesn't hurt to try. Good Luck!
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