Can you grow Sweetpeas in Austin?

16 years ago

I live just south of Austin and was wondering if anyone has ever grown sweetpeas in this area? If so, what time of the year do you start? Any helpful hints? I've always loved these flowers, but have never heard of anyone growing them here.

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Comments (3)

annieinaustin
16 years ago
MSS at the Zanthan Gardens blog in Austin grows the Cupani strain with success. Mine haven't done that well, but with winter planting I've managed to get a few flowers.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Here is a link that might be useful: Sweet Peas at Zanthan Gardens
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
16 years ago
Sweetpeas are a cool season plant that ideally should be planted around October or November. I planted some late -- way after Christmas and they are just starting to bloom. I knew they liked deep rich soil so I planted them in a pot with good potting soil and threw in some Osmocote.

The varieties listed on the link above sound interesting! I got some seed off the rack "Heirloom Old Spice Mix" and they smell wonderful! I think it is my favorite scent, but then I like roses, lily of the valley (which I know only from bridal bouquets and bottled perfume) gardenia, jasmine ... or whatever sweet thing I'm sniffing at the moment.

Even though sweet peas won't last into summer they are worth growing for the few weeks of sweetness they offer. Somebody remind us to have seeds ready and plant sweetpeas in the fall.

Happy gardening!
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austinwildflower
16 years ago
yes! I'm in Austin and this is my first year growing them. I went a little crazy and planted about 20 different kinds of seeds (the seed rack was just calling my name), partly because I was trying to figure out which kinds would do well.

There are winter-blooming kinds that can bloom from winter through spring, whereas many of the other kinds don't start blooming until now. My best ones were from the Winter Elegance mix and the Royal mix (which I saw around town as potted plants last fall in several nurseries). Both these and "Painted Lady" started blooming in early February. I'm also trying Cupani, which Annie mentioned, but it's not blooming yet.

I started all of mine from seed in October (although you can find them as plants in the fall--the Natural Gardener had them this year).... this gives them enough time to grow before early spring. I'll just remind myself to sow them every year when I sow bluebonnets (which have about the same blooming season).

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Can you grow Sweetpeas in Austin?

Comments (3)

annieinaustin

roselee z8b S.W. Texas

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austinwildflower

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