Sweet pea seeds should remain viable for two to three years if properly stored. Harvesting sweet pea seeds is as simple as letting the pods mature on the vine until they're ready to pick, letting them dry out, and storing.
Do sweet peas come back every year?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) only live for a year, dying after setting seed. But don't let this put you off as they are super easy to grow from seed. Perennial species such as Lathyrus latifolius come back year after year , but mostly lack fragrance and there are fewer to choose from.
How long do sweet pea plants last?
Sweet peas are a short-lived cut flower, lasting at best 4 to 5 days in a vase . Adding sugar or flower preservative to the water makes a big difference and will add a few extra days.
Do sweet pea plants keep producing?
Mature plants usually stop producing and die back in hot summer weather . If you missed your peas' peak period, you can still pick, dry, and shell them for use in winter soups.
What months do sweet peas flower?
The main flowering season for sweet peas is June and July but they can start earlier or go on later, depending on when you sowed and planted them . Keep watering, feeding and deadheading to prolong their season.
Can sweet peas grow in hanging baskets?
The scent of sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) fill the air in spring and summer. ... Dwarf sweet pea varieties are well-suited for growing in hanging baskets, from which their trailing vines cascade. Sweet peas grow as annuals in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11.
Should you pinch out sweet peas?
The auxins will produce growth and for new and stronger growing tips. Pinching out sweet peas will provide you with more blooms for cutting . It's one of the wonders of growing these delightful vines. The more blooms you cut, the more will grow, so don't be afraid of pinching out your sweet peas to enjoy the bouquets.
Do sweet peas need sun or shade?
Make sure you plant the sweet peas outside after the last frost date in your area. Choose a spot in full sun or very light dappled shade with rich, well-drained soil. ... Keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry spells.
Is a sweet pea a perennial?
Perennial Sweet Pea or Everlasting Pea is an old fashioned herbaceous perennial climbing vine with beautiful bright flowers that grows up 10′ tall. This plant blooms in summer, and blooms are on long peduncles above the foliage. It climbs by tendrils and can be trellised or used to cover a fence or other structure.
What month do you plant peas?
The best time to plant peas is as soon as the ground is thawed and can be worked in late winter or early spring . Peas can also be a fall crop in many areas. They can be planted in the late summer or early fall, especially in areas where spring warms too quickly for good pea production.
Do peas need full sun?
Peas and green beans like cooler temperatures. They need some sun ( about four to five hours per day ) to produce flowers and pods, but they tend to fade out as the temperature warms. Planting them in a cool shady spot will lengthen your growing season.
What can I plant next to sweet peas?
- Corn.
- Tomatoes.
- Turnips.
- Parsnips.
- Potatoes.
- Eggplant.
Why do my sweet peas not flower?
The reason your sweet peas are not blooming is often because of lack of sun, high temperatures or too much fertilizer . Sweet peas are native to the Mediterranean and flower best in full sun, medium to low nutrient soil with regular watering. Heat waves can also temporarily prevent blooming.
What is the best support for sweet peas?
Because Sweet Peas are vining, they need support to grow up and flower. Many types of structures can work such as a trellis, supports with mesh or twine , or fences. They need a structure that is well anchored in the ground to support the weight of the vines.
What does sweet pea symbolize?
In the language of flowers, the sweet pea holds the symbolic meaning of blissful pleasure . ... Many believe that these blooms leave a positive experience and a thoughtful way to say thank you as they further symbolize gratitude. Sweet peas are also the official birth flower for April.
