Hello David just an update on my sweetpeas they are brilliant and have loads of flowers which you can smell at the other end of the garden.
Now what i want to know is now that they are going to seed i've been taking the pods off where the flower was is this right ?or do i have to cut the stems just below the pod?
hi just want to say my sweet peas are great this year thanks for all advice especially david, i fell down again on supporting them, especially as we've had such strong winds, one wigwam has been blown sideways and I haven't been able to right it, also I've grown some up an obelisk and think next year I'll fix some netting in this before I plant my sp's
Yes, avoid letting your sweet peas set seed pods at all costs, as this will shorten the flowering period by some margin. Of course, this doesn't just apply to sweet peas, other flowers will be encouraged to flower longer if dead-headed regularly.
From the plants perspective, as soon at it has produced seed they assume their job is done.
David help please, I dropped a box at potting up stage so don't know which one this is but what is wrong? No flowers and those that are there are dropping off I thought by the wall gory round be sheltered, us this weather. Our summer is rubbish
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” A A Milne
Good news, Lily......this s probably 'bud drop'. Although a little worrying if you haven't encountered it before, the plants will recover.
Basically, it is caused by variations in temperature (hot days and cold nights). The buds turn yellow/green and fall off when touched.
There is not a lot that you can do about it, you just have to wait until the weather settles and the nights get warmer. Do not feed plants until the buds start to set and flower.
It may be worth noting that bud drop can also be caused by watering with cold water from a hosepipe....... use water that has stood for 24 hours if possible.
Leave as much growth on as possible, including tendrils, until it passes.
PS, I notice you have a little distortion in the leaves, this may indicate they are hosting greenfly.
David, thanks, I think it is indeed bud drop, never had it on sweet peas before but our weather is dreadful and the night temps low. Will try and be patient. I fed them last weekend thinking it might be that so will starve them now. Also in that part of the garden I do use a hose, good tip about the water . Thanks
no sign of greenfly,
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” A A Milne
Posts
Hello David just an update on my sweetpeas they are brilliant and have loads of flowers which you can smell at the other end of the garden.
Now what i want to know is now that they are going to seed i've been taking the pods off where the flower was is this right ?or do i have to cut the stems just below the pod?
Thanks
Baz
hi just want to say my sweet peas are great this year thanks for all advice especially david, i fell down again on supporting them, especially as we've had such strong winds, one wigwam has been blown sideways and I haven't been able to right it, also I've grown some up an obelisk and think next year I'll fix some netting in this before I plant my sp's
Hi, again Baz
Yes, avoid letting your sweet peas set seed pods at all costs, as this will shorten the flowering period by some margin. Of course, this doesn't just apply to sweet peas, other flowers will be encouraged to flower longer if dead-headed regularly.
From the plants perspective, as soon at it has produced seed they assume their job is done.
For anyone yet to order their SP seed for next year, I can recommend:
'Orange Crush' - very bright flowers
'Midnight' - deep maroon
'Gwendoline' - light centre with pink edges
'Oxford Blue' - very strongly scented, navy blue
'Castle of Mey' - creamy white, frilly blooms
I don't grow sweet peas but could be tempted by 'Oxford blue'
David K have grown Oxford blue for the first time, lovely,
A A Milne
Pleased to hear that, Lily.....those 5 listed were carefully thought out. so I hope someone will do themselves a favour.
David help please, I dropped a box at potting up stage so don't know which one this is but what is wrong? No flowers and those that are there are dropping off I thought by the wall gory round be sheltered, us this weather. Our summer is rubbish
A A Milne
Good news, Lily......this s probably 'bud drop'. Although a little worrying if you haven't encountered it before, the plants will recover.
Basically, it is caused by variations in temperature (hot days and cold nights). The buds turn yellow/green and fall off when touched.
There is not a lot that you can do about it, you just have to wait until the weather settles and the nights get warmer. Do not feed plants until the buds start to set and flower.
It may be worth noting that bud drop can also be caused by watering with cold water from a hosepipe....... use water that has stood for 24 hours if possible.
Leave as much growth on as possible, including tendrils, until it passes.
PS, I notice you have a little distortion in the leaves, this may indicate they are hosting greenfly.
David, thanks, I think it is indeed bud drop, never had it on sweet peas before but our weather is dreadful and the night temps low. Will try and be patient. I fed them last weekend thinking it might be that so will starve them now. Also in that part of the garden I do use a hose, good tip about the water . Thanks
no sign of greenfly,
A A Milne