Sweet Pea sowing

hello, i have ordered some sweet pea seeds and i am planning to sow them this autumn. I was wondering how it works really, because i imagine after a winter in the greenhouse they will have grown quite a size. Do i pinch the shoots, or what?? help much appreciated thanks x

 

With the normal sweet pea to be grown as a cordon for cut flowers I would recommend always pinch out the growing point as soon as you see a second growth from the base of the stem. It is characteristic of the sweet pea that this second growth is always stronger and provides a better stem to take on up the support.
I think there is little advantage in sowing in the autumn. Sow in February March in a little heat; cool off after germination and grow on slowly to produce sturdy plants to eventually be hardened off and planted out May June.
As in many aspects of gardening timing is important and you will learn this only by experience of your own garden and observation of the ongoing soil and weather conditions.

This page of my website may be of help.

http://www.raffia.plus.com/gn/1fgsweetpeas.htm

 

"I think there is little advantage in sowing in the autumn"

I had so much to do this spring the the sweet peas were pot bound for longer than they should have been ... so I am going to try an Autumn planting this year to save a Spring job ...

 

I find you are much better off with an Autumn sowing. Grow them in an unheated greenhouse, that way they will make sturdier plants. Pinch out the growing tip when they have about 3 pairs of leaves.:thumb:

 

Would a coldframe suffice ?

 

As long as it`s relatively frost free, Freddy, yes.:thumb:

 

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