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Saturday, March 12, 2016

You still have time




To get your Sweet Peas started



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.








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. 









Besides collecting my own seeds I will be ordering these "Wiltshire Ripples" from Thompson and Morgan.





 





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",  







Sweet peas love to be paired with other garden flowers.  









and Fruit










"Molly Rilestone"  maybe my most favorite Sweet Pea.

Have a wonderful weekend my dear Friends.

Gina


24 comments:

  1. Thank you!
    I'll try sprouting the morning glory seeds that way.
    Presently in peat pots, I have basil, balsam and squash seeds in a domed plastic pie container. Even with the many vent holes, its not easy regulating the moisture level.

    A wonderful week-end to you!

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    1. Hello Marywyn, Thank you for the reminder to get the morning glory seeds planted. I love to give them an early start so that they can trail out of my urns and onto the ground.
      Isn't it fun to fool mother nature now and then. Have a wonderful Sunday.

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  2. Lovely colourful pictures. My sweet peas are germinated inside and are growing fast now, almost time to plant them out in little pots. Nice series of photos of the germination!

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    1. Hello Janneke, When you say that you plant your sweet peas in little pots do you then let them continue growing inside. And if so, when do you plant them outside?

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  3. Hi Gina, Thank you for all your tips on growing plants and flowers. I look forward to them and thoroughly enjoy your insights (and pictures).

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    1. Thank you Darlene. I am so pleased that you like my pictures and that you like to see tips on growing flowers and plants. Maybe you will share some of your tips with us.

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  4. Replies
    1. Hello Karen, Sweet Peas maybe a very old fashioned flower but who can resist them. Thank you for stopping by it is very much appreciated.

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  5. Sweet Peas, my mother and great aunt adored them and I have tried to have them here, but some critters, or just this earth we have, they never appear. I love what you have done to share yours Gina. Happy week to you~

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    1. Dear Mary, Have you tried pre-soaking them overnight and then planting them? Also, try planting them a little deeper than recommended. It is possible that birds are to blame for the disappearance of your seeds. Sweet Pease like to germinate in cool temperatures. Right now is perfect.
      And a happy week to you as well. Thank you for your visit.

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  6. Hello, the sweet peas are so pretty. Thanks for the tips, your images are lovely. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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    1. Hello Eileen. Happy Monday to you as well. Thank you for your visit and thank you also for your very nice compliment.

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  7. Dear Gina,
    just like Mary I have not had much luck with the seeds. Nothing ever shows up and so I have not even tried this year. After a week of rain it is 86 F right now, luckily only today......too hot too soon.
    Hugs, Sieglinde

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    1. Dear Sieglinde, Sweet Peas do like cool conditions. It is possible that in your area you might have to plant Sweet Pea seeds in late January/early February. I would give them a try one more time. They are worth the trouble.

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  8. Great info about this special cultivar! Lovely colorful blooms and texture of petals! Greetings!

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    1. Hello Alexa, The Wiltshire Ripple Sweetpeas now come in different colors. They are so exotic and always get everyone's attention.

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  9. Hello Gina. I usually soak my sweet pea seeds, but don't wait for them to sprout. I might try that this year. If so, I'd better get cracking for tis the season just now. Your sweet pea photos are beautiful.

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    1. Dear Lorrie, Soaking them is a great idea. It works almost as well as the sprouting method. I am so pleased that you like my photos. Have a great week.

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  10. You make me wish to plant sweet peas this year. I will wait, however, for a fence to be built, as we have deer in the neighbourhood and they are particularly fond of sweet peas. Maybe next spring.....

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    1. Hello Pondside, We have deer marauding our garden all year long. We have to cover everything with chicken wire. Come Summer deer usually head for the mountain pastures and so we will have a reprieve from them. We now have a herd of deer that has taken over our little town. This time of year they are going for the tulips that have just come out of the ground. More chicken wire to the rescue.

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  11. You have inspired me Gina to dig out the seeds I have and see about starting them early in pots. Usually I direct sow mine in the ground but sometimes naughty bunnies eat the tops off.

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  12. Hello Judith, Starting Sweet Peas in pots is a great idea. However, if you have bunnies you will still have to protect them (with chicken wire) once you set them out. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your Sweet Peas.

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  13. Hi Gina, I love this series of photos. Truly marvelous! ThanK you so much for sharing with Today's Flowers, and I wish you a very happy Thursday.

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    1. Hello Denise, How nice of you to come for a visit. It is so appreciated. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

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