Sweet peas have been part of my garden for three years now—but for most of that time, you’d never guess it. Year after year, I planted them with high hopes, only to watch them struggle, barely producing the lush vines and fragrant blooms I had envisioned.
Sweet peas have a reputation for being both charming and finicky, and I quickly learned why. Year after year, I planted them with the best of intentions, only to end up with weak, struggling plants that never lived up to their full potential.
But last year, I was determined to get it right. I took the time to research what I had been doing wrong, made a few critical changes, and finally—sweet pea success!
So if you’ve struggled to grow sweet peas (or you’re planting them for the first time and want to skip the learning curve), this blog post is for you. I’m sharing the mistakes I made, the adjustments that turned everything around, and exactly how you can grow your best crop of sweet peas yet.
Hey flower lovers! I’ve been getting tons of requests to show pictures of sweet peas, and today I’m super excited to share everything I know about these gorgeous climbing flowers. As someone who’s been growing sweet peas for over 10 years, I can tell you they’re absolutely worth swooning over!
What Do Sweet Peas Look Like?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are simply breathtaking climbing flowers that come in a rainbow of colors. Here’s what makes them so special
- Flower Shape: Delicate butterfly-like blooms with ruffled petals
- Colors:
- Soft pastels (pink, lavender, cream)
- Vibrant purples
- Pure whites
- Deep magentas
- Bi-colored varieties
Popular Sweet Pea Varieties You’ll Love
I’ve grown many varieties over the years, and these are some absolute stunners:
1. Sweet Pea ‘Cupani’
- Original heritage variety
- Deep purple and maroon flowers
- Incredibly fragrant
- Perfect for vintage gardens
2. High Scent Sweet Pea
- Cream colored with lavender edges
- Strongest fragrance of all varieties
- Great for cutting gardens
3. Royal Family Mix
- Multiple colors in one planting
- Large flower heads
- Strong climbing habit
Growing Sweet Peas: My Personal Tips
After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned about growing these beauties:
Best Growing Conditions
| Factor | Ideal Condition ||--------|----------------|| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade || Soil | Rich, well-draining || Support | 6-8 foot trellis or fence || Water | Regular, consistent moisture |Sweet Pea Growing Timeline
-
Early Spring
- Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost
- Use deep pots for strong root development
-
Mid-Spring
- Harden off seedlings
- Plant out when soil warms
- Install climbing support
-
Summer
- Regular deadheading
- Weekly feeding
- Consistent watering
Why You’ll Love Growing Sweet Peas
These fantastic flowers bring so much joy to the garden! Here’s why:
- Long blooming season (up to 3 months)
- Amazing cut flowers
- Perfect for cottage gardens
- Attracts pollinators
- Incredible fragrance
Common Sweet Pea Questions I Get Asked
“Are sweet peas edible?”
Nope! Despite their name, sweet peas are NOT edible. They’re purely ornamental and actually toxic if eaten. Don’t confuse them with edible garden peas!
“When’s the best time to plant?”
In my experience, early spring is ideal. I usually start mine indoors in February/March for best results.
Tips for Amazing Sweet Pea Displays
Want your sweet peas to look magazine-worthy? Here’s what works for me:
-
Support Structures
- Traditional bamboo wigwams
- Metal arches
- String networks
- Decorative obelisks
-
Companion Plants
- Clematis
- Climbing roses
- Annual vines
Sweet Pea Care Throughout the Season
To keep your sweet peas blooming their best:
- Water deeply at root level
- ✂️ Cut flowers regularly
- Feed every 2 weeks
- Remove yellowing leaves
- Keep track of favorite varieties
My Favorite Ways to Display Sweet Peas
These flowers are AMAZING in arrangements! Here’s how I use them:
Indoor Displays
- Small vintage vases
- Mason jars
- Mixed cottage bouquets
- Single variety bunches
Outdoor Impact
- Climbing arches
- Container gardens
- Cottage garden borders
- Cut flower patches
Problems You Might Face (And How to Fix Them!)
Even experienced gardeners run into issues sometimes. Here are common problems and solutions:
Poor Germination
- Nick seeds before planting
- Use fresh seed annually
- Maintain consistent moisture
Weak Growth
- Improve soil fertility
- Ensure adequate light
- Space plants properly
Final Thoughts
Sweet peas are one of those flowers that just make you happy! Whether you’re growing them for the first time or you’re a seasoned gardener, they’re sure to bring joy to your garden.
Remember, the key to success is:
- Starting early
- Providing good support
- Regular picking
- Lots of love and attention!
Happy Gardening!
Note: All images mentioned in this article can be found on various stock photo websites. For the most up-to-date and varied selection of sweet pea photos, check out iStock, Shutterstock, or Pixabay’s extensive collections.
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The Biggest Mistake Growers Make with Sweet Peas:
Now that I have a better understanding of how-to grow sweet peas, I can look back at my failed attempts and see so clearly what I was doing wrong.
Believe it or not, sweet peas are not difficult to grow from seed; they just tend to follow a different schedule than the more traditional cut flowers that most of us are accustomed to growing.
Allow me to explain…
The biggest mistake I made when trying to grow sweet peas was growing them too warm.
Like many beginner flower farmers, I assumed that all flowers prefer warmth—that seedlings should be pampered, kept cozy on heat mats, and protected from cold at all costs.
But sweet peas don’t just tolerate cold—they thrive in it.
Looking back, I can see where I went wrong:
- Starting seeds on a heat mat (bad idea—sweet peas germinate best in cool conditions)
- Waiting until after the last frost to transplant (by then, it was already too late)
- Not giving them enough time to establish before the heat of summer arrived
I thought I was being kind to my plants by shielding them from the cold—but in reality, I was holding them back.
So, how do you actually grow strong, healthy sweet peas? Let’s dive in…
When to Sow Sweet Pea Seeds:
If you live in a mild climate, you may be able to fall-plant and overwinter your sweet pea crop.
In Zone 5b where I grow, it’s simply too cold for sweet peas to survive our entire winter season- so I start my seeds in the very early spring.
Keep in mind that sweet peas grow best with the following temperatures:
- 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit for germination
- 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit to put on growth (Don’t fret about drops in temperature- sweet peas can handle dips into the 20’s just fine!)
- 45-68 degrees Fahrenheit for flowering.
What this means is that for most cold-climate growers, you’re going to want to sow your seeds in containers in late January thru early March and transplant those seedlings out in your garden as soon as the soil can be worked.
I often like to take my cues from Mother Nature and as soon as I see the daffodils start to peak above the soil- that’s when I know it’s time to plant my sweet peas outside.
Just to give you an idea of the timeline I use; last year I sowed my sweet pea seeds in trays indoors on February 13th and I planted them outside on April 10.
How to grow sweet peas: tips from a sweet pea flower farmer
FAQ
What does sweet pea do to the body?
… nutrients, like vitamin C, as well as phytonutrients including carotenoids and flavanols which are heart protective and support cardiovascular functionMar 31, 2025
Does sweetpea come back every year?
There are two distinct ‘types’ of sweet pea: an annual (lathyrus odoratus) that needs sowing from seed each year, and perennial lathyrus (such as lathyrus latifolius) that will keep growing back and appreciates a little maintenance to flourish. Their characteristics can vary, depending on the type you buy.
What is another name for sweet peas?
| Common Name | Sweet pea, perennial pea, everlasting pea |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lathyrus odoratus |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Plant Type | Annual, vine |
| Mature Size | 6-8 ft. tall |
What is the secret to growing sweet peas?
Make sure you keep them moist and their heads in the sun for at least six hours a day; preferably more. Keep them picked once they start to flower; or they will go to seed thinking it is time to sleep and you will not get any more blooms.