In the garden with GB News: Sweet peas - everything you need to know for a vibrant display in your garden this year

Everything to know about caring for sweet peas

Planting

Sweet peas come in a variety of colours and April is one of the best times to start thinking about these in your garden. Now is a good opportunity to sow and plant the flower as the seeds are best planted in the autumn and spring months. Plant the seeds now and keep well-watered.

Pick a sunny and open spot in the garden for the flower to grow. While sun is important, the flowers may benefit from being in an area that also has some afternoon shade.

"Sweet peas need plenty of sunlight, but they're also sensitive to heat," President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors Rafi Friedman told GB News.

"Morning and early afternoon sun are best, while some shade in the late afternoon will keep them from being overheated."

The soil you use to plant the sweet peas is important. Opt for well-drained but moist soil that is enriched with organic matter so it is rich in contents.

Rafi added: "They're also particular about soil. They need deep soil with lots of organic matter and a neutral-to-alkaline pH. You'll want to till the soil deeply, mix it with plenty of compost, and add a bit of lime to it."

Sweet peas are easy to grow in spring and also in autumn. It is key to find a frost-free area if planting into the colder months, however.

Speaking to GB News, CEO and founder of Tree Menders Evan Torchio added: "In cooler climates, sow seeds directly outdoors in late winter and early spring when the soil is workable.

"Aim for full sun and well-drained soil. For warmer areas, autumn planting is an option too. Sweet peas are heavy feeders, so enrich your soil with compost beforehand."

How to care for sweet peas in the garden

The expert explained the plants need maintenance throughout the summer to keep them looking their best. Deadhead flowers regularly to get a continual, full bloom throughout the warmer months.

Evan added: "To keep those blooms vibrant, pinch back the growing tips once they reach about six inches tall. This encourages bushier growth and more flowers.

"[Remember to] deadhead regularly throughout summer – simply snip off spent blooms to prompt even more flowering."

Pinch out the tips when sweet peas reach around 10cm tall to encourage a bushier plant with more flowers.

When it gets warmer and drier in the summer, Britons should regularly water sweet peas to ensure they thrive. It is also worth feeding the flowers regularly throughout the summer.

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Sweet pea care timeline

Spring

Plant: Spring is the ideal time to sow the seeds of sweet peas. It is important to find the ideal spot in the garden with enough sun and moist soil.

Summer

Deadhead: Deadhead the flowers regularly throughout the warmer months.

Autumn

Planting: Autumn weather conditions can also be good for planting so it is an option if you have forgotten to do so earlier in the year.

Winter

Tidy up: Gardeners can take the opportunity to tidy the flowers, removing debris as the plants start to die.

Looking for more gardening tips? Check out the GBN guide on growing and caring for tulips. We have also shared everything you need to know for a healthy lawn.