Sweet peas are one of the most popular flowering annuals. They put on a long-lasting display of vivid hues, from purples and pinks, to reds and white. They also make excellent cut flowers to brighten up your home.
If summer is dragging on, plant once the soil is cooler, as there's a lower risk of the seeds rotting before they germinate, and they'll bloom beautifully in spring.
Position
While sweet peas need plenty of sun, a Perth spring can produce very hot days. Your sweet peas will do better in a spot which gets the morning sun, and afternoon shade. Also, choose a spot with good drainage.
Soil
Sweet pea seeds are best planted directly into the garden bed about 3cm deep and 7cm apart into soil that is slightly alkaline. Add compost or well-rotted manure prior to planting. Potash is also good as it's based on calcium carbonate and potassium carbonate. Calcium makes the soil slightly alkaline and potassium promotes healthy, vigorous growth.
Support
Depending on the variety of sweet pea you choose, you may need to provide support for your plants such as an arch, teepee or trellis. The support only needs to be basic, as they are not heavy plants. Dwarf varieties don't need support.
Tips for success
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Avoid using too much fertiliser (particularly high-nitrogen feeds) or your plants will produce lush green leaves but very few flowers.
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Mulch and water well for good flower production. Once they start to produce, be sure to pick stems every other day to prevent seed pods maturing. The more you pick, the more flowers the plants will develop.
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Pick flowers in the morning and put them into a vase of water straight away if you are displaying them indoors.
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Avoid over-watering and wetting the foliage. Instead, water at the roots.
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Watch out for aphids and powdery mildew - use neem oil if pests appear.
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Make sure there is plenty of air circulating through your plants to prevent fungal issues.
