It's time to let Sweet Pea seeds germinate

Sweet Peas should be planted by late March in most areas.



Sweet Pea "Mollie Rilstone" is still my favorite.

Sweet Peas thrive where summer evenings are cool.

At least 2 to 3 weeks before planting, start germinating seeds in a plastic bag.

 Place moistened paper towel and seeds into plastic sandwich bag.  Keep top open and place by window.

Rinse seeds in cold water every 3 to 4 days, each time place back into plastic bag.

  After  about 2 weeks your seeds will have sprouted and they are ready to be planted.  Sprouts are very sturdy and can be handled easily.

If your nights still register below freezing temperatures, plant each sprouted seed in pots. 

Plant them out after all frost is gone. 

Sweet Pea "Wiltshire Ripple"

Sweet Pea "Mollie Rilstone" is now available from most seed companies.

And so is Wiltshire Ripples.

 Blue and lavender sweet peas have the most intense perfume.  

Dill stalks keep the water fresh.

Sweet Peas are happy when arranged with other flowers. 

Do you have a favorite Sweet Pea?

Gina 

Sweet Peas, How To

Soon it will be time to plant 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.

I gathered seeds from my garden a couple of weeks ago.  Not all seeds will germinate.  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 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 are very sturdy and can be handled easily.

With this method, taught to me by our good friend Steven, the brilliant Lawyer, I have almost a 100% success rate. 

Give it a try this year, my dear Blogging Friends.

Gina

Shall I show you my favorite Sweet Peas?

I love all Sweet Peas, especially the old fashioned odoratus type.

The kind that make you swoon.

Their fragrance is intoxicating, the name is 'Mollie Rilestone'. 

In a group or by itself, my favorite Sweet Pea of them all.

'Wiltshire Ripples' is a must have.

Martha Stewart made a special trip to England every year so she could have 'Ripples' growing in her garden.

Of all odoratus Sweet Peas, 'Chatsworth  Blue'  has the most intense perfume.

You will find all of the above and many more at Thompson & Morgan Seeds

Gina