Royal Family Mix Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea plants require well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and full sun. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

For best results, soak seeds for 24 hours prior to planting.  Sow outdoors as soon as soil can be worked.  Sow seeds 1" deep, 3-6" apart along a trellis or other support structure.  Thin to one plant every 9" after germination has occurred (10-21 days) Can also be started indoors 4 weeks before anticipated planting date.  Seedlings will not be damaged by a light frost.  Pinching plants once they have reached 6-8" tall will encourage more blooms.  Supply moderate moisture throughout the season.

Harden off seedlings for a few days prior to transplanting. After danger of frost has passed, dig a hole roughly the size of the root ball and lower the seedling in, being careful not to disturb the roots. Backfill with loose soil and water well. Space plants 8-10" in all directions. Keep well-watered until the plants are established.

Sweet peas grow at a rapid pace and require plenty of water and nutrients to keep them growing and blooming. Ensure plants receive one inch of water a couple times a week. Putting a layer of well-aged manure or compost at planting time will keep the plants well nourished. Pinching the top off the seedlings when they are 6-8" tall will cause the plants to branch and produce more blooms.

Sweet Peas make excellent cut flowers. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their sweet scent, making them a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements. To cut sweet pea flowers for bouquets, select flower stems that have at least two unopened flowers at the tip. Sweet pea flowers typically last 4-5 days in a vase but will keep a bit longer if the water is treated with sugar or flower preservative.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Sweet peas flowers are perfect, containing both male and female organs. Pollination typically takes place before the flowers have opened and therefore isolation from other varieties is usually not necessary, however isolating different varieties by several feet will prevent accidental mixing during harvest. To harvest Sweet Pea seeds, wait until the pods are dry and brown, then cut them off the vine and open them to collect the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.

HARVESTING SEED:

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Sweet pea seeds can remain viable for up to three years if stored in a cool, dry place.