Sweet Pea Growing Guide

Sweet peas are beloved for their delicate, ruffled blooms and intoxicating fragrance. These classic cottage garden flowers climb gracefully and produce armfuls of blooms that are just as beautiful in the garden as they are in bouquets.

When grown in cool weather and harvested often, sweet peas will reward you with weeks of soft color and sweet perfume

When to Plant

Sweet peas thrive in cool weather and prefer full sun.

Zones 7 and warmer: Plant in fall for early spring blooms.

Zones 6b and colder: Plant in late winter or early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.

Sweet peas tolerate light frost but should be protected from prolonged temperatures below 25°F (−4°C).

Plant early for the longest bloom season—sweet peas slow down once temperatures consistently rise above 75°F.

Preparing the Soil

Sweet peas grow best in fertile, well-drained soil.

Before planting

Work in 2–3 inches of compost.
Add a balanced organic fertilizer.
Loosen the soil deeply, as sweet peas develop long roots.

Because sweet peas are climbers, install trellis netting, wire fencing, or another support structure before planting.

Planting

Plant seeds 1 inch deep.

Space plants 6 inches apart.

Water well after planting.

Once seedlings reach 4–6 inches tall, pinch the growing tip to encourage branching and stronger plants.

Growing On

Keep soil consistently moist, especially as temperatures warm.

Sweet peas grow quickly and will begin climbing once tendrils form.

Tie vines gently to supports as they grow to keep plants upright and productive.

Harvest frequently to encourage continuous blooming.

When temperatures rise into the upper 70s and 80s, plants will naturally slow down and eventually finish their season.

Harvesting

Sweet peas are at their best when harvested regularly.

Cut stems when the lowest flowers on the stem are open and the upper buds are still closed.

Harvest in the morning and place stems immediately into fresh water.

Frequent cutting encourages the plants to produce even more blooms.

Saving Seed

If you would like to save seed for next year, allow a few pods to mature on the plant.

Pods will turn brown and dry as seeds ripen.

Harvest before pods split open and store seeds in a cool, dry place until planting.

Sweet peas are one of the most romantic flowers you can grow. With a trellis, a little sunshine, and regular harvesting, they will reward you with weeks of fragrance, beauty, and armfuls of blooms.