How to Grow Sweet Peas: 5 Tips for Growing Sweet Peas

Learn how to grow sweet peas with these 5 tips, and add beautiful and sweet smelling blooms to your garden.

I first saw sweet peas at The Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, and I was blown away by their beauty. But, it wasn’t until I grew my own that I was blown away by something else . . . the smell! Close your eyes and imagine heaven. That is what sweet peas smell like. Heaven on earth. It’s not just good looks with them.

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5 Tips for How to Grow Sweet Peas

1. Plant sweet peas early in the season

Sweet peas prefer cool soil, and bloom best before the weather gets hot. In zones 7 and colder, start seeds indoors and transplant sweet peas as soon as the soil is dry enough to work in. Don’t wait until after the last frost.

In mild winter areas (zone 8-10) like the low desert of Arizona, plant in the fall from October through January.

Start seeds indoors:
September – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – February

2. Choose the best type of sweet peas for your area and preferences

Many sweet pea varieties are day-length sensitive, meaning they grow best in certain areas of the country. Choose a type that will grow well in your area. Fragrance differs between types as well.

Mild Summer Areas: *Saltwater Taffy Swirls, Spencer Mix

Hot Summer Areas: *Perfume Delight, *Jewels of Albion

Grows Well in Most Climates: Chiffon Elegance, Velvet Elegance

Non-Climbing and Best for Containers: Knee –Hi Mix, *Explorer

*Highly scented

3. Choose and prepare the best location for planting

Sweet peas need well-draining soil amended with plenty of compost and organic matter. Work compost and aged manure into a depth of at least 1 foot. Sweet peas prefer soil a bit on the alkaline side; amend with lime if soil is acidic.

In most areas, choose a location in full sun. If your summers are very hot such as in Arizona, choose a location that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade.

Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart. Thin to about 5 inches apart when seedlings are 2-3 inches tall.

For square foot gardening plant 4 sweet peas per square.

4. Give sweet peas support as they grow

Most sweet peas can grow to heights of 8-10 feet. Put trellises in place before you plant so as not to disturb the roots. Guide young plants to the trellis and then tendrils will find supports and climb.

5. Harvest sweet peas often for more blooms

Once blooms begin, harvest at least every other day to encourage blooming.
Blossoms will not open more once cut; harvest when all but top few blossoms are open.
Harvest blooms in the morning.
Remove all leaves below the water line and put stems in water right away.
Blooms last 5-7 days; adding sugar or preservative will increase vase life by a few days.
Unharvested blooms will develop seed pods and blooms will stop. Save seeds to plant the following season. Be aware that hybrid varieties may not be true to type when saved.

Comment below if you have questions about how to grow sweet peas, or share varieties of sweet peas you’ve tried and loved.

Bec

Thursday 3rd of November 2022

Thank you for this! My garden is all containers -- curious about how many plants were in the container with the obelisk you have photos of? Trying to figure out how many I'll need to start.

Monday 7th of November 2022

@Angela Judd, Thank you!

Angela Judd

I believe there were 6-8 seeds planted around the perimeter.

Adrianne

Tuesday 26th of October 2021

Hello from San Antonio! I sowed my sweet peas (Spring Sunshine Champagne) over a week ago and some have already started to germinate! Your article's instructions and tips were very helpful. Next year, I want to try the heat tolerant Jewels of Albion from Renee's Garden that you linked above. When should I order them? Next fall or now?

Either way is fine. The seeds last for several years. If you are concerned about supply issues and they are in stock now I would order them now. Glad to year yours are already sprouting! Enjoy!

Maryanne

Monday 11th of October 2021

I refer to your site ALL THE TIME .Thank you thank you . If I plant my sweet peas now, how long will they bloom. I’m just planning on where to plant for the longest display of pretty blooms,

Wednesday 13th of October 2021

Typically begin blooming in February and blooms in shady areas may last until May - sunnier spots won't last as long.

Shea

Tuesday 16th of February 2021

Hi Angela! Is it ok to plant sweet peas in the garden where snap peas will also be growing? Is there any danger of cross pollination?

Alicia

Thursday 26th of January 2023

@Angela Judd, How far apart would they need to be to save seeds? I’m wondering if I can plant sweet peas out front and snap peas out back?

Good question. This year they would be fine, but I wouldn't save seeds from either one. The differences would show up in the seeds.