Lesson 2
Sowing and root run
Sweet peas have long roots — give them deep root-runs. Sow in long pots ('root trainers'), toilet-roll tubes, or pots at least 10 cm deep, 2–3 seeds per cell.
Best timing: autumn sow (Oct–Nov) for the strongest plants, overwintered in a cold frame; or late winter (Feb) under cover. Pinch the growing tip when plants have 4 leaf pairs to force bushy growth from the base.
Sweet pea sowing routine
- 1Soak seeds overnight in tepid water.
- 2Sow into deep pots of seed compost, 1.5 cm deep.
- 3Keep cool (8–12°C) — too warm and they go leggy.
- 4Once 4 leaves emerge, pinch out the top growing point.
- 5Harden off and plant out at 15 cm spacing along a support.