I can’t believe it’s time. Is it really? Yep!

I started sweet peas yesterday to give them plenty of time to get a solid root system before it’s time to plant them out mid-March. I’ve read articles on the best way to do it, and I’ve taken some advice - I bought root trainers to try out this year, so I have those and 3.5” pots. I didn’t soak my seed ahead of time, I just planted and watered well.

There are two methods, easy but not all may germinate, and more advanced guaranteeing all pots are filled. 

1. Easy method: 

2. Advanced Method

Use the paper towel method to germinate the sweet pea sees, same as you would dahlia seeds. In a plastic baggie add a damp paper towel and put your seeds inside (don't forget to label). Put these on a heat mat and after a couple of days you'll see they've plumped up, give them a head start by carefully nicking the soft seed coat. Then put them back in the plastic bags and take them off the heat mat, but keep in a room about 65-70F. Check them daily and after about 10 days total they will have green seedlings poking out. Plant these carefully in root trainers or 3.5" pots (2-3 per pot) and cover with clear dome. After they've taken root, put them in the greenhouse. Keep them watered, but careful not to overwater.

They’ll hang out in the greenhouse until the beginning of March, then I’ll move them outside under cold frames to transition. The pots need to stay watered but not soaking wet.

Starting Sweet Peas

Label, Label, Label!!! Dribble the holes Plant the seeds Cover & Water