Sweet Pea

Grow sweet peas in fertile, compost-amended soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and good drainage. Avoid excess nitrogen and provide a trellis at planting; flowering declines in summer heat.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

1 in/week, even

Spacing

6 in

First harvest

60-75

Tips

• Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart beside a trellis in cool weather.
• Supply about 1 inch of water weekly, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated.
• Mix compost into the bed before planting and avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer.
• Inspect tender shoots for aphids, rinse off small colonies, and cut flowers frequently to prevent pods forming.
• Do not eat sweet pea seeds because they are toxic and are not edible garden peas.