Cultivating beautiful sweet peas

Our growing methods for exceptional sweet peas

Cultivation

Our sweet peas are grown in grow tubes. These are tubular pots made from a paper-based material; basically a tube of paper. These pots are biodegradable, and the roots pass freely through the sides. The tubes will then safely break down in the soil. (NB. Soak the pot before planting and bury its top edge).

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.

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, yet still allowing excess water to drain away, they don’t appreciate bog conditions!

When the plants have produced their 3rd or 4th leaf, it is recommended to remove the 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!

Some growers have found it advantageous to remove the tendrils, as they can grab the flowers causing the stem to twist.

All of the varieties we grow are “Spencer” types. These 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.

This season, we’ve added a mixed variety, Incense, for those people who want to be surprised.