- Soil requirements: Sweet peas prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth.
- Sunlight needs: Sweet peas thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, they can benefit from some afternoon shade.
- Watering requirements: Sweet peas need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water them deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Planting season: The best time to plant sweet pea seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. In milder climates, they can also be planted in late fall for early spring blooms.
- Depth and spacing: Plant sweet pea seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 2-3 inches apart. If planting in rows, space the rows about 6 inches apart.
- Germination time: Sweet pea seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days under optimal conditions.
- Maturity time: Sweet peas usually reach maturity and start blooming within 90-120 days after planting.
- Harvesting time: The best time to harvest sweet pea flowers is early in the morning when the blooms are fresh and hydrated.
- Harvesting tips: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems. Regularly harvesting the flowers encourages more blooms. Store the cut flowers in a cool place and change the water in the vase daily to prolong their freshness.