UK gardeners sow sweet peas indoors from October to November for the earliest June flowers, or January to February for spring planting. Direct outdoor sowing runs March to April once soil reaches 10-15C. Sweet peas tolerate light frost to minus 5C and need 8 or more hours of sunlight, well-drained soil, and support at least 1.8m tall. Pinch tips at 10-15cm for bushy growth.
Key takeaways
- Sow indoors October-November for the earliest flowers from June, or January-February for spring planting
- Direct sow outdoors March-April once soil temperature reaches 10-15C
- Sweet peas tolerate light frost to minus 5C but need 8+ hours of daily sunlight
- Pinch out growing tips at 10-15cm tall to encourage bushy, multi-stemmed plants
- Soak seeds overnight or nick the seed coat with a nail file for faster germination
- Pick flowers every 2-3 days to prevent seed pods forming and extend flowering into September
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Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
