Q&A for How to Grow Sweet Peas

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What do I do with the tendrils on the stems?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

The vining varieties of sweet peas require some sort of support to thrive. Place a wire, trellis, or stake near the plant so that the tendrils can attach and support the plant.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
Question

If my sweet peas haven't grown in two months since planting them out, could it be that they aren't getting enough sun?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

They could be lacking in water, or the temperature may not be right for them to sprout. Try soaking your seeds overnight before planting to help with germination.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

Can I plant at the end of summer?

Community Answer

As long as it's still sunny, you can, just be sure to water them often and take care of them whilst they're growing.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 16
Question

When do I remove the seed pods and what do I do with them?

Community Answer

Only remove them when they have turned brown and the pods are hard. Place them in a plastic container and keep it in a cool place until the next growing season.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 13
Question

To get a nice tall plant with long stem flowers, exactly what do I take off? Side shoots and tendrils?

Community Answer

Yes, all the side shoots. But be careful, if they grow too high they become out of reach. When they get high enough, start pinching out the top shoots.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
Question

The pea roots come out of the soil and lay on top. Should I cover them back up with soil?

Community Answer

You have a problem if the roots come out of the soil. There must be something very hard under the surface to prevent the roots going deep. Yes, cover the roots.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

How deep does the soil have to be when I plant seedlings?

Community Answer

As deep as possible, with lots of compost. Sweet Peas demand lots of old rotted compost.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

Can I grow sweet peas in compost?

Community Answer

Yes you sure can. They love it and will reward you with lots of growth and fantastic flowers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

Can I top out my sweet peas to stop them growing any taller now they are flowering?

Community Answer

Yes, certainly. Pinch off the tips of the growing shoots. But you will have to do it daily as the peas will fight to keep growing taller.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question

Should I pot my sweet peas deeper than 3 inches in a cold greenhouse?

Community Answer

It may be a good idea to pot them slightly further down to keep the seeds warm. The seeds may appreciate you watering them with lukewarm water.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
Question

Can sweet peas be planted in early June, or is this too late in the season?

Community Answer

You can plant in June, yes. It's a little late, but as sweet peas grow right through until early frosts in November, they have plenty of time.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

My seedlings are about three inches. When should I transplant them outside?

Community Answer

As soon as possible, provided there is no frost or very cold weather. Three inches is adequate growth.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

When should I pick the seed pods off?

Community Answer

Leave them on till the pods become brown and hard. Don't pick when they are green.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

When is the best time to plant sweet peas?

Community Answer

The best time is probably mid-autumn because the sweet peas will probably grow by spring or early summer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
Question

Can sweet peas be grown inside?

Sander1

Community Answer

They can, but you won't have a very good crop unless you grow them under artificial light.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
Question

I have grown sweet peas for years with reasonable success, but this year they refuse to climb. They have the tendrils, but the plants are all curly and don't want to grow. The stems are also unusually thick. Any advice?

Community Answer

It could be that your soil is old and lacking nutrients. Sweet peas need lots of nutrients and should be planted in humus rich soil. Your only hope now is to feed them with an NPK liquid fertilizer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How tall do sweet peas grow?

Community Answer

Mine usually grow over 8 feet tall and keep going until I pinch off the tips. If the soil and the weather are good, they grow very tall.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Suddenly, the top six inches where the shoots have a flower drop off at what appears to be a browning line. There are no bugs, but at least 10 plants suddenly have this. What could be the problem and how do I deal with it?

Community Answer

It seems like you have a watering problem, or a nutritional one. Water well and feed well with a potash/phosphate mix.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I grow sweet peas in a container?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Just make sure that you have some kind of support to keep it from falling over.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Will sweet peas grow in shade?

Community Answer

They may grow in light shade during a hot summer, but ideally, they need to be planted in a hot, sunny location.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is it normal for sweet peas to come back on their own?

Community Answer

No they are annuals. But you can plant more seeds in mid to late summer for fall blooming or again early the next spring.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I grow sweet peas in pots on a patio?

Andrew Nichols

Community Answer

Yes, you can. You will need to create a growing environment to match what is described in this article. The key points are: * use soil that drains well with a good mix of compost, * plant seeds 1" deep. After thinning, each plant should be 5" from other plants, * provide trellis, poles, or other vertical objects for the tendrils to attach, * full sun is best, * water lightly on days with no rain during hot summer months - particularly important for growing in pots, * fertilize monthly, and * cut tops, flowers, buds, tendrils, and pods as described in article... and enjoy your sweet peas!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I tie them to grow sideways along a trellis?

Community Answer

Yes, you can but you will have to stay on them to keep them from wandering, as they want to grow up to the sun.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0