Germinating Sweet Peas...I need a trick.
runswithscissors
10 years ago
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
10 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Widely variable germination times?
Comments (8)I grow Thunbergia every year, and Sweet Peas every few years. Sweet Peas don't transplant very well, but are easy to start by planting them directly in the soil. They'll germinate in cold soil or warm soil. I usually plant them in October here in northern California, when the temperatures are pretty warm, and they seem to take a few weeks to show up (trying to remember). One year, though, I planted them late, and we had some really cold temperatures, and up they popped! So maybe colder temperatures hasten germination. If I had paid more attention I would likely have more specific information. Anyway, I plant Sweet Peas about 2-3 inches apart in soil enriched with plenty of compost. I always cover these seeds with enough soil to block out light, not because light is an issue, but so that the large seedlings have more of an anchor. Thunbergia seeds are generally pretty speedy germinators when given heat, much slower to germinate (can take a month sometimes) at lower temperatures. I would plant these more like 6" apart than closer because eventually they will branch out. Once they get going they can be pretty aggressive, but it takes a little while for them to get their rhythm, so to speak. I've never grown them on a lattice, but I plant them with cukes growing on long tomato trellises, and they twine around the trellis and the cucumber plants very nicely. I've also had some pop up in odd places where there is no support, and they are full enough to look nice sprawling over the ground. This is another seed that I cover with enough soil to block out the light for the same reason I do the Sweet Pea seeds....See MoreSeeds in vinegar germinated
Comments (9)Yioges, I do not soak or add vinegar to my seeds to aid in germination. what I was trying to say was that I was simply running an experiment on some seeds I got off a pickled pepper from a pizza place. This was after reading someone else's post on the same curiosity. I also wondered if they would germinate from pickled peppers, and I just happen to have good results, but no, like you I have no intention of using vinegar to aide in seed germination. Although if someone told me that vinegar helped I would probably experiment with some seeds from say the dollar store. I am always ready to try new things cause ya never know. Like using sulfuric acid soak for some seeds, I did not know that, thanks for that info, but I wonder what kind seeds need that. I have had some seeds that no matter what Ido just won't germinate, who knows maye that's the trick. Thanks, I totally appreciate tht tip, Josie...See Moresome question about sweet peas
Comments (3)Arjen, I start my Sweat Peas every year by soaking my peas overnight in water, then getting a paper towel damp but not too wet as to rot the seeds then put them on the paper towel not touching, fold the towel over and put them in a ziplock bag one large enough so they all lay out flat, close bag. I leave on my kitchen counter and check in a few days when you see roots then take them out and plant. That way you know which ones are good and which ones didn't germinate. Then from last years experience the deer at my house ate my sweet peas I now have them fenced in. I won't take anymore chances it took them a month to recover from getting munched down to one foot high. Good Luck, Kathy...See MoreSweet Peas: Anybody have any luck?
Comments (59)As I understand it, the blooming of Sweet Peas has to do with the day length. Different varieties do better with shorter days. There are others that do better for hotter zones. See the link below for examples. If you are having trouble with germination, try to knick the seed (scarification) and then soak it over night. I find it easiest to use nail clippers, but there are many methods. Instead of soaking the seeds in water you might try the paper towel method. I've also heard about using unbleached coffee filters instead of the paper towels, I thought I might try this year. You can use those moisture crystals (hydrated already) too. In the hotter zones grow them in an area that gets plenty of morning sun but is protected from the hot afternoon sun. They should last longer that way. That coupled with choosing ones for warmer climates should help. I started to grow sweet peas for my Mother. She has childhood memories of a neighbor growing loads of sweet peas in the summer in Phoenix, Az. I figure if they can grow there in the summer I should be able to get them to grow in Dallas. They begin their bloom around Mother's Day here which makes a wonderful boquet for her. The link below also has a useful article called 'Prolonging Vase Life of Sweet Peas'. Good luck everyone, Tiffany Here is a link that might be useful: Fragrant Garden Nursery...See Moregardenper
10 years agorunswithscissors
9 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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9 years agofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
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9 years agogardenper
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9 years ago
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5