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| photo by pixabay |
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) climb plants with fragrant, visually appealing blossoms, and all it takes to cultivate them is seeds. Here is some information on how to plant and maintaining sweet peas for anyone who is interested in growing them:
When to Plant: Fall Planting: If you live in a moderate climate, you may have an early spring harvest by planting sweet pea seeds in the fall.
If you live in a colder area, you should start planting seeds as soon as the soil is warm enough to work in the spring. In cooler climates, sweet peas do best.
Soak the seeds for 6–24 hours before planting to prepare them. This loosens their tough outer shell, allowing them to germinate more quickly.
Another method is to use a file to lightly nick the seed coat, which scarifies the seeds.
Selecting an Area:
Light: Sweet peas need six to eight hours in direct sunshine each day.
They thrive in rich, loamy soil that drains well. Compost and other organic materials may enhance soil quality.
Space your seeds approximately two to three inches (five to seven centimeters) apart and plant them about one inch (2.5 centimeters) deep.
Watering: Make sure the soil is always damp but not soggy. Ensure that the soil remains moist as the seeds begin to germinate.
Because sweet peas are climbers, they need a structure to lean on as they mature, such as a trellis or a fence.
When to Expect Blooms: When to expect sweet peas to bloom (late spring to early summer) depends on when and where you plant them.
To prolong blossoming and stimulate additional blooms, deadhead (remove wasted flowers).
Not only are sweet peas fragrant and beautiful to look at, but they are also common ingredients in many fragrances.