In colder areas, plant sweet peas as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Sweet peas handle light frosts. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Soil enriched with aged manure or compost is perfect for sweet peas. Sweet pea seedlings are a favorite snack for birds, slugs, and snails, especially if planted in fall. Protect seedlings from pests with netting, if necessary. Spread a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch around plants and water them regularly for best flower production. Here’s how to get rid of slugs in your garden.
Staking Sweet Pea
Most sweet pea varieties produce long tendrils and do best when provided with a trellis or fence for climbing. Set up a well-anchored trellis, fence, or vertical support at planting time for easy plant care throughout the season. A simple fence panel is a great climbing option for a cutting garden.
Grow a Bouquet
Sweet pea blossoms make wonderful bouquets. Mix sweet peas with other seasonal cut flowers, or simply create a bouquet of fragrant sweet pea flowers. Pick stems in early morning and plunge them in water right away. A 15- to 20-foot-long row of sweet peas will provide blossoms for many large bouquets. Continue harvesting flowers every other day or so to encourage the plant to continue producing flowers. Use these tips to create the best flower bouquet.
