Sweetpeas

[dreamygirl25]

I bought some sweet pea plants from the garden centre. They are about 10-15cm tall and loads of them.

I didn't realise I would have to keep them indoors until potentially May.

Do I need to separate them? Is there any way they can go out early? (amateur here)

I haven't got loads of space indoors if I do separate them and put them in bigger pots.

Yep. You're waaaaaaay too early for sweet peas and will need to keep them inside. Separating them will give you stronger plants that will probably flower better.

They're my absolute favourites and they need lots of sunshine.

I planted mine at Xmas. I use storage boxes as dont have room for a greenhouse. I take lid off during day and lid on at night incase of frost.. use the box upside down. Pinch out the tops to stop getting too leggy just now, you can root these cut off bits in water if you want. Mine won't go into the ground until may.

My understanding was that sweet peas are really hardy - I know you have to harden them off, but I'm sure mine have gone out in April if not march before?

I've just checked and Monty says April - so maybe it is ok?

All the specialists' advice is to get them outside as soon as possible, they like cooler conditions. But keep them in their pots for now, it's too soon to put them in the ground.

If you have lots in a single pot, repot them 3 or 4 to a pot, keep them somewhere light but cool for a couple of days to recover, then put the pots outside in a sheltered place. Pinch out the tops now, they are plenty tall enough.

Thanks for all the speedy advice. OK will pinch the tops and maybe I'll put them outside during the day and bring them in at night for the time being.
I have quite a sheltered garden. Will repot them too thanks!!

If I pinch the tops, when do they need to be clipped to bamboo? I'm planning to plant them in big pots and up a trellis when they do go out.

Sorry can I jump on here too.

Mine are in toilet rolls, should I leave them in here?

They are on a window sill in the kitchen, should I put outside during the day?

Do they need lots of natural sunlight?

@dreamygirl25 You can if you wish, but I tend to just stake them when I plant them out. The stakes help to stop them from getting tangled, but if you don’t have them at this early stage and they’re still fairly short then it’s not necessary.
@WoodBurningStov when I’ve grown them in toilet rolls I’ve kept them in those until I’ve planted them outside and they’ve been absolutely fine. Yes, it’s so mild, definitely get them outside in the day if you can; they need lots of sun. I tend to keep them in a tray by the back door so that I can move them in and out at dusk/dawn. Remember when you do plant them out slugs and mice absolutely love them and take suitable precautions- I once lost an entire batch overnight!

I grow for exhibition. Sweet peas prefer cool conditions. Separate your seedling , 3 in a small pot should be fine. Pinch out the tops. Get them outside with plenty of light. Cover with fleece if frost is forecast, no need to keep bringing them in at night. Protect from mice.
Plant out in permanent positions mid April. They might not do much for a few weeks, but will take off once the weather warms up in May.

Hi can I ask how best to protect sweet peas from mice and slugs please. I love them and was hoping to grow some this year.

Great advice on here. I'm hoping to get some sweet peas to grow too.

@sliceoflife how do you protect from mice?

I protect my planted out seedings with collars made from plastic drink bottles. I reuse them as much as I can.

Mine are in a big tub now and outside in a sheltered spot. First time I've grown them so winging it slightly and a bit more hopeful after reading this thread

If any of you are on Instagram follow the_gardenerben he does an actual sweet pea follow along thing, last year's full video should still be on there though.

Thanks, I'll take a look