How to Grow Sweet Peas In a Container
It’s not hard to learn how to grow sweet peas in containers and you can smell the strong fragrance just by walking by the plant. My mom plants them in a container by her windows, so in the summer she can open her windows and invite the sweet floral smell into her home. The fragrant climbing plant adds vertical interest and a burst of color. Sweet peas can be tricky to grow in hot climates, but their smell is worth it. Here is the step by step guide to grow sweet peas in a container with success this year.
Summary: How to Grow Sweet Peas
- Container: Choose a container at least 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes, fill with soil, and place in a sunny location.
- Plant the 1-2 seeds ¼ inch deep 4-6 inches apart.
- Water: Keep the soil damp, but not pooling water until the seedling comes up.
- Continued Care: Water every few days, especially when they are young and establishing roots.
- Deadheading: cut off dead flowers so your plant will continue to grow more blooms.
For all the details and common questions keep reading below!
1. Choose the Right Container
- Size: Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the flower’s root system. A container that’s too small can stunt growth, while one that’s too large will be unnecessary. I prefer a pot at least 12 inches in diameter.
- Material: Containers come in various materials (plastic, ceramic, terracotta, etc.). Plastic holds water better, while terracotta allows for more air circulation. There are also grow bags that are great for storing and affordable, but will not last long. You decide what you like best, because you can use any container.
- Drainage: Your container must have holes at the bottom for excess water to drain. Many plastic pots do not have holes at the bottom, so make sure you make the hole before filling the pot with soil. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes water will accumulate at the bottom and cause root rot.
2. Use High-Quality Potting Mix
- You can use garden soil, but it can become compacted in containers. Using a good-quality potting mix that is well-draining will benefit your plants. If I am filling a large pot I will use some dirt from my garden for the bottom half and potting soil from the top half to save money.
- I also like to add some worm casting to my soil to give it the extra nutrients that many potting soils are lacking. Worm casting can be found at any big box store by the fertilizers.
- Sweet peas need sun to grow, but do not like the heat. I place my container in a spot that gets afternoon shade to help keep the plant cooler. A place like the patio or front door is a great spot.
3. Planting Sweet Peas and When to Plant
Sweet peas are typically grown from seeds. They have a hard seed coat, so it’s helpful to soak them in a wet paper towel in a plastic bag the night before to help them grow faster, BUT this is not necessary.
- Planting Time: Sweet peas can be planted outdoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date. Your last frost date can be found with a simple google search. In mild winter climates they can even be planted in the fall!
Spacing: Plant the seeds about 2-4 inches apart ¼ inch deep around the outside rim of the pot.
4. Providing Support
Sweet peas are climbers, so you’ll need to provide a structure for them to grow on. Bamboo sticks, fence, or even a tomato cage can work well. As they grow, gently train the vines to climb the structure by wrapping them loosely up the trellis.
5. Watering and Fertilizing
After planting keep the ground consistently moist until the plants are about 4-6 inches tall. Then you can transition to watering until water comes out of the bottom of the pot every few days. If you are unsure if you need to water you can stick your finger into the first inch or two of the soil. If it is dry it is time to water. In the peak heat of the summer you may need to water everyday. Try to keep the foliage dry by watering at the base of the plants to keep the plant healthy.
I add compost or worm castings to my soil at planting and that is it. You don’t want to over fertilize sweet peas with nitrogen or they will not bloom, so keep it simple!
6. Deadheading
For the longer blooms, regularly remove dead flowers (deadhead) to encourage new growth and keep the plant flowering. Sweet peas typically bloom from late spring to mid summer, and deadheading can extend the blooming period for a few extra weeks.
7. How to Grow Sweet Peas for Cut Flowers
Sweet peas make a wonderful cut flower because Sweet Peas will keep blooming and blooming. They do not have a great vase life, only lasting 3-4 days in a vase. Cut the flower off the plant before it is opened fully for the longest vase life. Although they don’t have a long vase life I think they are worth it for the smell, you can buy sweet peas at any store, and they look great with other flowers in an arrangement.
8. End of Season Care
Sweet Peas are annuals meaning they won’t come back the next year. At the end of the season, you can collect seeds from the plant to plant the following year. Simply let the pods dry on the plant, and when they are completely dry, collect the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place. FREE SEEDS!
Sweet Pea Caution
The flowering sweet peas are not the same as snap peas (that are eaten). You CANNOT eat sweet pea pods, they are toxic. Enjoy the flowers and don’t eat the pods! The sweet peas that I have planted have fuzzy pods so it is easy to tell them from the snapping peas you eat.
Common Questions
Do sweet peas grow well in pots?
Yes, sweet peas grow well in pots!
How do you keep sweet peas alive in a pot?
Sunlight, water, plant in the spring when the weather is cooler. Simple as that!
How big should a pot be for sweet peas?
At least 12-18 inches in diameter
How do you take care of sweet peas in a pot?
Sun, water, deadhead, and keep the weeds out.
How do I keep sweet peas blooming all summer?
Regularly remove dead flowers (deadhead) to encourage new growth and keep the plant flowering. Sweet peas typically bloom from late spring to mid summer, and deadheading can extend the blooming period for a few extra weeks.
How tall do sweet peas grow?
Usually the front of the seed packet will say how tall the plant can get, but they can grow up tp 10 feet tall!
Do sweet peas come back every year?
No, Sweet peas are annuals. You will need to replant every spring.
What temperature will kill sweet peas?
Sweet Peas are frost hardy. If they have been acclimated to the cold they can withstand temps as low as 25 degrees!
Do sweet peas need full sun?
Sweet Peas need 6-8 hours of full sun, but afternoon shade is great for them.
What month do you plant sweet peas seeds?
Plant sweet peas 8-10 weeks before your last frost in spring. Usually anytime Feb-April, in mild winter you can even plant them in the fall.
What happens if you plant sweet peas too close together?
If planted to close the plant will not grow as large, and it could stunt the growth.
Where can I buy sweet pea seeds?
Anywhere you can buy seeds you can buy sweet peas, but my favorite places to get unique varieties are
Johnny’s Select Seeds
TrueLeaf market
Botanical Interest
Baker Creek Rare Seeds
I can’t wait for you to smell your sweet peas! Now you know how to grow your sweet peas, what are the best sweet varieties for pots? Find the answer HERE.
As always,
Grow flower to heal your soul,
Beth
