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How to Grow Sweet Pea
Annual, perennial, Lathyrus Sweet Peas are an old fashioned favorite in the home garden. Most likely Grandma grew them. Chances are, you are carrying on the tradition. These fragrant charmers were brought to you from Europe. There is a large variety of both annual and perennial varieties. How many varieties, you ask? There's well over 1,000 to choose from! There are vining and non-vining varieties producing an early bloom in cool weather. Non-vining varieties will grow 1-2 feet tall, while vining types can grow 10-12 feet, or more. Flowers grow 2-3 inches in diameter. Sweet Pea colors include blue, white, pink, cream, and purple flowers. Purple is by far the most common and most popular. Sweet Peas are a hardy annual and thrive in cool weather. They can survive frosts, freezes, and a snow cover. That's how their cousin the vegetable "Snow peas" got their name. They can be grown in your flower garden, or scattered as a wildflower.
Propagation: Sweet Peas are grown from seed. Directly seed them into your flower garden in the spring. Sow Sweet Pea seeds 6 inches apart and 1 to 1/12 inches deep. Once your plants have been established, they usually reseed themselves.
How to Grow Sweet Peas: Sweet Pea plants are very, very easy to grow. They prefer full sun and cool weather. They will do well in a variety of soils, but prefer rich soil. They are not bothered by cold, wet soils. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. For maximum growth and bloom, add a general purpose fertilizer once a month. For vining types, plant them along a fence or pole. Or, provide a trellis for them to climb. Sweet Pea are also considered wildflowers. Once established, they will thrive and spread easily. If in a flower garden, they can get out of hand easily and overcrowd other flowers. To promote continuous blooming, pinch off spent blooms to before the seed begins to form.
Insect and Disease: Sweet Peas are popular among a variety of insects, birds and butterflies. The most common insect problems include aphids and root borers. Insecticides and repellents are usually effective. Slugs can also be a problem. In very wet and cold weather, mildew and fungus can invade your plants. Use fungicides early, before disease gets a foothold.
Insect and Disease: Insect and disease problems are infrequent. Apply insecticides or fungicides only as needed.
More Information: Buy Sweet Pea Flower Seeds now Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to grow".
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