Sweet Pea Cultivation Guide
We grow our sweet peas in sweet pea grow tubes. These are tubular pots made from a paper-based material; almost literally a tube of paper. These pots are biodegradable, and when planted the roots pass freely through the side of the pot. The tubes will then safely break down in the soil. (NB. Soak the pot before planting).
By planting these tubes of peas straight into the ground /container, root disturbance is reduced to a minimum and the plants can get on with the job of growing (and then flowering!) There is no damage to root and no restriction to growth. The only important point is to ensure that the top edge of the tube is buried beneath the surface of the soil/compost, to prevent the tube acting as a wick, drawing the moisture out of the ground.
Sweet peas like a lot of feed and water, so when planting it is a good idea to dig in organic matter (i.e. well rotted manure). Many growers put a layer of newspaper underneath the manure to help retain moisture.
When the plants have produced their 3rd or 4th leaf, it is recommended to remove the plants growing tip, encouraging them to bush and produce thicker, healthier stems, – more stems means more flowers; good for the plant and good for the gardener! (Note: Many of the plants we sell have already had their growing tip removed)
Some growers have found it advantageous to remove the tendrils, as they can grab the flowers causing the stem to twist.
All the varieties we grow are “Spencer” types (exception: High Scent - Grandiflora type-large flowers and a strong scent). This type have long, straight stems and are well-scented - the best type for cutting, and regularly cutting them encourages them to produce more, and for longer, just don’t let them set seed.