Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Sweet peas

ALLOTMENTMADALLOTMENTMAD Posts: 70
in Plants
Hi all,

I have been growing some sweetpeas, i started them on the windowsill in february and now they are growing well. Iwas wondering... is it safe to put them in the coldframe now? I live in the midlands. Just a bit worried a frost could kill them off.

Thank you 

Posts

  • ladygardener2ladygardener2 Posts: 371
    I can't speak to you about your own individual weather but I will say this.
    I've never put my sp into a cold frame. I sow them inside and once they've germinated they go outside into a sheltered place. They stay there until March or April when they get planted out into soil enhanced with fertiliser. At this stage they've been pinched out at least once and depending on the weather they're about 12-15cm in height and very sturdy plants. I've only ever lost my sp back in 2010 when we had that awful weather. They're very hardy annuals and will tolerate a dip in temperature for a day or so. I'd think they'll be fine in the coldframe.
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933

    I would keep a sheet of bubble wrap or fleece handy so that if you have a very cold snap you can cover your sweetpeas overnight. They will be a bit on the soft side for a week or two if you put them outside. Mine are growing in my double glazed conservatory. They are about 15 ins high, supported with canes and pinched out but I am not putting them outside for another month when they will go into their growing stations. There are too many to move in and out to harden off each day.

    I have grown them outside all winter down here in Cornwall but the winter was not particularly hard that year, they are quite tough but err on the side of caution, it would be a pity to lose them now you have got them this far.

  • ALLOTMENTMADALLOTMENTMAD Posts: 70
    Thank you that is very helpful! 
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    I’m a newbie but I sowed sweet peas in pots and put them in a mini greenhouse almost two weeks ago.

    Theoretically Id plant them in a week or so, but I’ll see how they’re fairing first.

    Nice tip on the bubble wrap @Joyce Goldenlily I’ve just put some in the bin which I’ll rescue for now. :)
  • YviestevieYviestevie Posts: 7,066
    I live in the West Mids and grew mind in the conservatory.  They were put in the coldframe two weeks ago and went through the recent cold snap no problem.  The frame is open all day and shut at night.
    Hi from Kingswinford in the West Midlands
  • PenninePJPenninePJ Posts: 23
    Given that the weather is rather challenging at the moment I would be inclined to play safe and keep them protected for a little while yet. However, I have found them to be tough little plants and would probably be OK in a sheltered spot somewhere near the house, at least for a few days. Do you have a few small plants? If yes why not try one or two outside, if they do well you will have some early flowers. Staggered planting will prolong the season.
    http://catsandapenninegarden.blogspot.co.uk/
Sign In or Register to comment.