What a smashing thread,just found it today and have sat with a cup of coffee reading all the posts. My sweet peas have been uprooted today as they were just about finished. They were Blue Ballerina( I think) Autumn sown, long stems nice scent. They flowered well for a couple of months but then declined. They were grown in a large tub as I was short of space, HOWEVER, I now realise where I went wrong and why they dwindled, the pot was bone dry even though I thought I was thoroughly watering it. Obviously the water was just running straight through...you live and learn by your experiences don't you. Back to planting in the border next year.
Although I do appreciate that sometimes needs must, I've never been keen on growing SPs in containers. They are so deep rooted, they are best grown in deep cultivated ground in the open if possible.
Of course, autumn sown plants will stop flowering ahead of those sown the spring anyway....a good plan is the hedge your bets by sowing seed at both times.
David- having taken your advice I sowed some in the autumn and then did what someone on here suggested and put some seeds on wet kitchen paper just before planting them out. When I planted them I just popped the sprouting seeds in between each. It means I still have lots and they still have lovely long stalks
David- having taken your advice I sowed some in the autumn and then did what someone on here suggested and put some seeds on wet kitchen paper just before planting them out. When I planted them I just popped the sprouting seeds in between each. It means I still have lots and they still have lovely long stalks
Glad to hear about your success, although those long stems you mention are down to the quality of the seed, rather than cultivation methods…..always best to buy quality seed.
Mine are all spring sown and still flowering away. Our season's slower to get going up here anyway and they don't mind the cooler weather in Sptember so it suits me and they often keep going in October. Mine are all in pots- albeit big deep ones - as I've rarely had a suitable area on a fence or wall to plant them in the ground. Keeping them well fed and watered is the key- and picking them. That's not too hard a chore though when you have the pleasure of a little pot of them in the living room!
Perhaps you could give us all a few recommendations David- scents and colours etc so that we can all experiment for next year!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
"Perhaps you could give us all a few recommendations David- scents and colours etc so that we can all experiment for next year!"
There are so many, Fairygirl, but for scent, "Cupani" stands out above all...... and if scent is your priority, I can recommend David Matthewman's 'Chelsea Highly Scented Collection'.
For beauty + scent, I would need to ponder at length on that one.
Posts
Lovely pics David. My sweet peas have been so much better this year thanks to your help
Picked these this afternoon for my daughter...thought you may like t see them.
Remember to click the pic.
What a smashing thread,just found it today and have sat with a cup of coffee reading all the posts. My sweet peas have been uprooted today as they were just about finished. They were Blue Ballerina( I think) Autumn sown, long stems nice scent. They flowered well for a couple of months but then declined. They were grown in a large tub as I was short of space, HOWEVER, I now realise where I went wrong and why they dwindled, the pot was bone dry even though I thought I was thoroughly watering it. Obviously the water was just running straight through...you live and learn by your experiences don't you. Back to planting in the border next year.
Bilji...glad to hear you enjoyed this thread.
Although I do appreciate that sometimes needs must, I've never been keen on growing SPs in containers. They are so deep rooted, they are best grown in deep cultivated ground in the open if possible.
Of course, autumn sown plants will stop flowering ahead of those sown the spring anyway....a good plan is the hedge your bets by sowing seed at both times.
David- having taken your advice I sowed some in the autumn and then did what someone on here suggested and put some seeds on wet kitchen paper just before planting them out. When I planted them I just popped the sprouting seeds in between each. It means I still have lots and they still have lovely long stalks
Glad to hear about your success, although those long stems you mention are down to the quality of the seed, rather than cultivation methods…..always best to buy quality seed.
Mine are all spring sown and still flowering away. Our season's slower to get going up here anyway and they don't mind the cooler weather in Sptember so it suits me and they often keep going in October. Mine are all in pots- albeit big deep ones - as I've rarely had a suitable area on a fence or wall to plant them in the ground. Keeping them well fed and watered is the key- and picking them. That's not too hard a chore though when you have the pleasure of a little pot of them in the living room!
Perhaps you could give us all a few recommendations David- scents and colours etc so that we can all experiment for next year!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
"Perhaps you could give us all a few recommendations David- scents and colours etc so that we can all experiment for next year!"
There are so many, Fairygirl, but for scent, "Cupani" stands out above all...... and if scent is your priority, I can recommend David Matthewman's 'Chelsea Highly Scented Collection'.
For beauty + scent, I would need to ponder at length on that one.
My "Wall" of sweet peas today before i start to pick
yes i do need the steps
Well done, Ann.....a beautiful display you have there.