beginner

[MarkE]

Hi I would like to grow some sweet peas for show, I live in the north east so when would be a good time to sow seeds? Thanks

[Cherry]

Next month would be perfect MarkE. You will be able to leave them out in pots all winter and you will get an early start in spring.

[MarkE]

Thanks cherry, im pleased that's the way I like having something to sow in the back end!

[daitheplant]

I would say now, personally.

[Cherry]

MarkE just go with daitheplant. Better still, what about the last day of this month.

[daitheplant]

My view is, the seeds need to be germinated and growing strongly before the winter sets in.

[scrumpy]

Far to early to start sweet peas.
Going on the mild winters of the last 2 years, they will grow to fast if sown now.
I'll be starting mine on November 1st. For Mark in the north east, as cherry says, start first week in October.

[scrumpy]

Sept 7, 2014 19:43:17 GMT daitheplant said:

My view is, the seeds need to be germinated and growing strongly before the winter sets in.

The last thing you want to do is put a check on your sweet peas, which can happen if you start them to early.
Slow and steady is the best.

[daitheplant]

What heat do you have to germinate them outdoors in November?

[Cherry]

They don't need heat, but a cold frame will be handy to start them. They need to be outside all winter.

[daitheplant]

I would want at least a pair of true leaves on them before the start of winter.

[scrumpy]

They go on a heat mat in the greenhouse at 60'f. Germinate in about 7-10 days. Soon as they are through heat goes off.
I let them grow for another week, then they go into pots or rootrainers and then into the coldframe.

[Cherry]

I sow mine 5 in a 6 in diameter pot and forget them until spring.

[daitheplant]

Mine are sown 3 to a three inch pot and germinated outdoors. The weakest seedlings are sacrificed. Sorry Cherry but they DO need heat to germinate, as do 99% of plants.

[scrumpy]

Sept 7, 2014 20:05:40 GMT Cherry said:

I sow mine 5 in a 6 in diameter pot and forget them until spring.

I wish I could be that brave

I sow 40 seeds of each variety, pot on 32, and then plant out the best 16.