Do sweet peas come back every year?

There are annual and perennial types of sweet pea flowers. The annuals, Lathyrus odoratus, are usually highly fragrant climbers that last for one season and have to be sown fresh every year. The perennial or ‘everlasting’ types, Lathyrus latifolius, come back every spring, but most have little to no scent.

When can I plant everlasting sweet peas?

The everlasting pea is germinated in the same way as annual peas, except they are always sown in the Spring. Sow anytime between Feb and March, in seed trays or small containers using a peat free compost. Keep in a warm place around 18C to germinate, which will take around 10 days.

Do you cut back everlasting sweet peas?

Cut perennial Lathyrus back to ground level in autumn or, preferably, leave the cutting back until February so the dead stems provide cover for wildlife in winter. Simply pull out and compost annual sweet peas once flowering has finished at the end of summer.

Are sweet peas climbers?

Alternatively, plant sweet peas out in large containers on the patio. But wherever you decide to plant them, you’ll need to provide a suitable support as sweet peas are climbers. Put your support frame into position before you start planting.

Do you need to soak sweet pea seeds before planting?

Many people recommend soaking seeds overnight before sowing to help them germinate. This is because some varieties have a hard outer shell. However, others suggest that soaking may lead to weaker plants. Generally, sweet peas should germinate fine without any treatment.

Do sweet peas reseed themselves?

Will sweet peas self-seed? Yes, in warmer climates. If you leave your sweet pea plants to turn to seed in fall, and allow those seed pods to pop open and disperse the seeds, it is absolutely possible for some to self-seed next year.

Should you soak sweet pea seeds before planting?

Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. This softens the seed coat and speeds up the sprouting process. While the seeds are soaking, fill your planting pots with good quality potting soil. Sweet peas produce abundant roots, so use the deepest pots you can find.

How do you propagate everlasting sweet peas?

Everlasting sweet peas are both self-seeding and spreads via rhizomes, so propagation is quite easy. Sow sweet pea seeds, in soil above 50° degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to have sweet peas climb, dig a trench about an inch deep and a foot away from the trellis, you intend the plant to climb.

What do you do with sweet peas in the winter?

Autumn-sown sweet peas should be kept in their cold frame or greenhouse to overwinter. While you don’t want to mollycoddle seedlings too much (cool temperatures will keep plants stocky and sturdy) they won’t appreciate being repeatedly frozen, so add extra protection in frosty weather.

Is sweet pea invasive?

Annual or Perennial In many areas of North America, the perennial sweet pea (L. latifolius) is an invasive problem, clogging open fields and roadsides.

How long does it take sweet pea seeds to germinate?

10 to 28 days
Sow seeds 1 inch deep and two to 3 inches apart. Seeds take anywhere from 10 to 28 days to germinate completely, depending on weather and soil temperature.

When should I start my sweet pea seeds indoors?

But if you don’t get your sweet peas planted in fall, you can still get a nice crop, although a little later to bloom, if you give your seeds a head start by sowing indoors in seed containers in late January thru March to transplant into the garden as soon as soil can be worked; sweet peas can handle light frosts.

Can you sow sweet peas straight into the ground?

You can sow directly in the ground from late spring, but the results may be more variable. If in doubt, follow the packet instructions on your specific variety and always keep sweet peas away from frost.

Is November too late to sow sweet peas?

You can sow anytime from early October to mid November when the days allow for a long gentle germination.

What is the best fertilizer for sweet peas?

Sweet peas are heavy feeders, so amend soil well before planting with lots of rich compost or well-rotted manure. During the growing season, fertilize at least twice with a good soil drench of tablespoon each of fish emulsion and liquid kelp per gallon of water.

Is it best to soak sweet pea seeds before planting?

Should you soak sweet peas before sowing?

Should I soak sweet pea seeds before planting?

Can you save sweet pea seeds for next year?

If you plan to grow sweet peas in the same garden spot again next year, you don’t have to go to the trouble of saving seeds. As the seed pods dry, they pop open and drop their seeds to the ground. Next year’s flowers will grow from these seeds.