Sweet Pea Painted Lady

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

 Sunlight:

• Sweet peas need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. In hotter regions, provide afternoon shade to protect them from scorching.

 Soil:

• They prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5). Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

 Drainage:

• Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as sweet peas dislike wet feet.

How to Plant Sweet Peas

Seeds:

• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination.
• Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them in seed trays.
• Plant seeds 12 mm deep, spacing them 8 cm apart.
• If using seed trays, transplant seedlings when they are 5–7 cm tall.

Support:

Bush varieties:

• Small 1 m canes can be used to provide support, or they can be allowed to tumble for a softer effect.

 Climbing varieties:

• Trellising needs to be set up for support

Watering and Feeding

 Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature.

 Feeding:

• Sweet peas are heavy feeders.
• Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.
• Alternatively, use a slow-release fertiliser at planting time.

Mulching and Weeding

• Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., straw or sugar cane mulch) around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Keep the area weed free to reduce competition for nutrients.

Pest and Disease Management

Sweet peas are relatively pest resistant but can be affected by:

 Aphids:

• Spray with a mild soap solution or use neem oil.

 Powdery Mildew:

• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Treat with a fungicide if necessary.

 Snails and Slugs:

• Use organic bait or traps to protect young plants.

Pruning and Deadheading

 Pinching:

• Pinch out the growing tip when seedlings are 10–15 cm tall to encourage bushier growth.

 Deadheading:

• Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.

 Cutting Flowers:

• Harvest flowers frequently for bouquets to encourage more blooms.

Saving Seeds

• Allow some pods to mature and dry on the plant.
• Harvest the pods when they turn brown and brittle.
• Remove the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for planting next season.

Common Problems and Solutions

 Poor Germination:

• Ensure seeds are soaked before planting and soil is kept moist.

 Yellowing Leaves:

• Often a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
• Check drainage and fertilise if needed.

 Lack of Flowers:

• This can be due to insufficient sunlight, poor soil fertility, or excessive nitrogen.
• Address these issues to encourage blooming.

Sweet Peas in Pots

• Sweet peas can be grown in pots if space is limited:
• Choose a deep pot (at least 30 cm deep) with good drainage.
• Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost.
• Provide a trellis or support for climbing.
• Water and feed regularly, as potted plants dry out faster.

• Companion Planting

Sweet peas grow well with:

 Roses:

• Their climbing habit complements rose bushes.

 Lettuce and Spinach:

• Sweet peas provide shade for these cool season crops.

Avoid planting with:

• Onions or garlic, as they can inhibit growth.