David as MD gave the results of the experiment I thought you would be pleased
Well in fairness, Kate. I did say "However, (having dismissed autumn sowing as a waste of time) he did have the honesty to show the proof that sweet peas grown from autumn sowings are superior."
David - my sweet peas have had it ! They didn't last long at all. I've had flowers for about a month but the bottom of the stems have a bleached appearance and they don't look at all healthy . I have a few measly flowers at the top but they look like they are dying from the bottom. I sowed these in Spring in little pots and they were doing well . What went wrong ?
The truth is you probably haven't done anything wrong. The weather this year has been everything sweet peas don't like, so just hope for a better year next year.
Even professional growers like my friend Derek Heathcote (owner of Eagle Sweet Peas) has had to withdraw his trade stands from several of the main shows this year because of the lack of blooms to exhibit.....this is the first time I can recall that happening.
Although he exhibited and won a gold medal at Chelsea, he had to call on the help of his friends who were growing his seed, to help with providing flowers....and that's pretty extreme.
Hello David. I have been disappointed with my SPs this year - the first flush of flowers was pretty good but it's been downhill all the way since then. I have to put it down to such poor weather, especially here in the West Country. Light levels have been low, sunlight has been in poor supply with exception of the odd few days here and there, and my plants are now way beyond their best. Out with them, and looking forward to next year!
I bought seed from a local(ish) specialist, but the results weren't a patch on Eagle seeds. Even allowing for the poor weather, I have to agree with you regarding the quality seed (and no, I'm not advertising, just passing on personal experience).
Oh, well - it's the looking forward that keeps us gardeners young (I think ). And who knows, by this time next year, I may have managed to complete the move that we had hoped would have been completed by now! So - autumn sowing it is - and fingers crossed for a better summer next year!
Hi, SV...sorry to hear you've had a bad SP year, but (as you know) the weather has not been kind to sweet pea growers this year.
I'm glad you have found the difference between average seed and that produced by experts like Eagle SPs. I know from first hand experience that it's an undeniable fact, otherewise I would not said so.
Posts
You're welcome, Bev. I'll start a new thread at the appropriate time, with a more specific title.
Here's one to keep in mind for next year.....'Elegant Ladies'
David as MD gave the results of the experiment I thought you would be pleased
Well in fairness, Kate. I did say "However, (having dismissed autumn sowing as a waste of time) he did have the honesty to show the proof that sweet peas grown from autumn sowings are superior."
I do admire him for that!
David - my sweet peas have had it ! They didn't last long at all. I've had flowers for about a month but the bottom of the stems have a bleached appearance and they don't look at all healthy . I have a few measly flowers at the top but they look like they are dying from the bottom. I sowed these in Spring in little pots and they were doing well . What went wrong ?
Sorry to hear this, Jean.
The truth is you probably haven't done anything wrong. The weather this year has been everything sweet peas don't like, so just hope for a better year next year.
Even professional growers like my friend Derek Heathcote (owner of Eagle Sweet Peas) has had to withdraw his trade stands from several of the main shows this year because of the lack of blooms to exhibit.....this is the first time I can recall that happening.
Although he exhibited and won a gold medal at Chelsea, he had to call on the help of his friends who were growing his seed, to help with providing flowers....and that's pretty extreme.
To be honest it's the first time I've grown them. Such a shame as the flowers were really lovely . At least I had a month or so of enjoyment.
Thanks David.
P.S. Your pictures are great - I love Elegant ladies.
Hello David. I have been disappointed with my SPs this year - the first flush of flowers was pretty good but it's been downhill all the way since then. I have to put it down to such poor weather, especially here in the West Country. Light levels have been low, sunlight has been in poor supply with exception of the odd few days here and there, and my plants are now way beyond their best. Out with them, and looking forward to next year!
I bought seed from a local(ish) specialist, but the results weren't a patch on Eagle seeds. Even allowing for the poor weather, I have to agree with you regarding the quality seed (and no, I'm not advertising, just passing on personal experience).
Oh, well - it's the looking forward that keeps us gardeners young (I think
). And who knows, by this time next year, I may have managed to complete the move that we had hoped would have been completed by now! So - autumn sowing it is - and fingers crossed for a better summer next year!
Hi, SV...sorry to hear you've had a bad SP year, but (as you know) the weather has not been kind to sweet pea growers this year.
I'm glad you have found the difference between average seed and that produced by experts like Eagle SPs. I know from first hand experience that it's an undeniable fact, otherewise I would not said so.
Enjoy your bank holiday.
Thanks David. Bank Holiday? Looks a bit (more) waterlogged down here. Again.
This is a hanging basket sweet pea to keep in mind for next year.
'WHITE CUPID'
For the record, I've found sowing the seed directly into the baskets has worked best for me.