How to Grow Sweet Peas in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

How to Grow Sweet Peas in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Sweet peas are a classic garden favorite, prized for their vibrant blooms and delightful fragrance. Whether grown in pots, garden beds, or climbing up trellises, sweet peas add beauty and charm to any space. February is an ideal time to sow sweet pea seeds indoors or plant out young plants under cover, giving them a head start for a stunning display later in the season.

This guide will provide all the information you need to grow sweet peas successfully in February, including the best varieties, planting techniques, care tips, and harvesting advice.

Introduction: Why Grow Sweet Peas in February?

Sweet peas are cool-season flowers that thrive when started early, making February the perfect month to sow seeds or plant seedlings. Early planting ensures robust root systems and healthy growth, allowing the plants to bloom profusely in late spring and summer. With their wide range of colors and captivating scent, sweet peas are a must-have for any flower enthusiast.

1. Choosing the Best Sweet Pea Varieties

Sweet peas come in a variety of colors, sizes, and scents, making them versatile for any garden design.

1.1 Highly Fragrant Varieties

‘Old Spice’: A traditional variety known for its strong scent and pastel shades.
‘Matucana’: An heirloom variety with bi-colored blooms and an intense fragrance.

1.2 Large-Flowered Varieties

‘Spencer’: Offers large, ruffled blooms in a wide range of colors.
‘King’s High Scent’: A striking variety with white flowers edged in lavender.

1.3 Compact Varieties for Pots

‘Cupid Pink’: A dwarf variety perfect for containers, with pink and white flowers.
‘Little Sweetheart’: Compact plants with vibrant blooms ideal for small spaces.

2. Planting Sweet Peas in February

2.1 Sowing Seeds Indoors

Starting sweet pea seeds indoors in February allows for early germination and stronger plants.

How to Sow:
1. Soak seeds in water overnight to soften their hard coat.
2. Fill small pots or seed trays with a free-draining seed compost.
3. Plant one seed per pot, about 1 inch deep.
4. Water gently and place in a bright, cool location, such as a windowsill or unheated greenhouse.

2.2 Planting Out Seedlings

If you’ve grown sweet peas in the autumn or purchased young plants, they can be planted out under cloches or fleece in February to protect them from frost.

3. Supporting Sweet Pea Growth

3.1 Providing Support

Sweet peas are climbers and need support to grow upright and produce abundant blooms.

Trellises or Obelisks: Ideal for garden beds, providing a vertical framework for sweet peas to climb.
Canes and String: Create a simple and effective structure for potted or garden-grown plants.

3.2 Pinching Out Tips

Once seedlings reach 4–6 inches tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier plants and more flowers.

4. Caring for Sweet Peas

4.1 Watering

Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially during flowering.

4.2 Feeding

Feed plants every 2–3 weeks with a high-potash fertilizer once they start to flower.
Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which can result in excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.

4.3 Mulching

Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Protecting Sweet Peas from Pests and Diseases

5.1 Common Pests

Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds.
Slugs and Snails: Use barriers or organic slug pellets to protect young plants.

5.2 Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew: Ensure good airflow around plants and avoid overhead watering.
Root Rot: Plant in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

6. Harvesting Sweet Peas

6.1 When to Harvest

Sweet peas are ready to harvest when the blooms are fully open but before they start to fade.
Regular picking encourages continued flowering and prevents plants from going to seed.

6.2 How to Harvest

Use scissors or garden snips to cut the stems, leaving a few leaves on the plant to promote regrowth.

6.3 Storing Sweet Peas

Place freshly cut stems in a vase of cool water immediately after harvesting.
Change the water every 2–3 days to keep the blooms fresh.

7. Benefits of Growing Sweet Peas

Beautiful Blooms: Sweet peas produce an array of vibrant, delicate flowers.
Fragrance: Their captivating scent makes them perfect for cut flowers and garden enjoyment.
Easy to Grow: Sweet peas thrive with minimal care and are suitable for beginners.
Versatility: Grow them in pots, borders, or trellises for a stunning display.
Wildlife-Friendly: Sweet peas attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Conclusion: Start Growing Sweet Peas for a Stunning and Fragrant Display

Growing sweet peas in February is an excellent way to ensure a vibrant and fragrant garden display later in the year. By starting seeds early, providing proper support, and caring for your plants, you’ll enjoy an abundance of colorful blooms. Whether grown in pots or garden beds, sweet peas are a rewarding and timeless addition to any garden.

Happy gardening! 🌱🌸