Sweet peas annual: description, varieties, growing from seeds. Rules for growing annual sweet peas from seeds
It is necessary to plant as early as possible (in February).
Then sweet peas will have time to form a strong root system.
Depending on the weather conditions region, choose for yourself best way landings sweet pea:
In temperate and subtropical climates, where the soil does not freeze in winter, it is worth planting sweet pea seeds as early as November. However, laying seeds in the ground at the beginning of the year is also suitable. In this case, the flowering of the plant will occur by mid-spring.
In areas where winters are very cold, seed planting can also be done in February. But this must be done indoors. So you prepare the seedlings for the beginning of the summer season, when all the snow has come off the soil. To enjoy beautiful flowers already at the beginning of summer, you should not delay transplanting seedlings.
These are the basic rules for choosing a method for planting sweet peas. In addition, when choosing a plant variety, pay attention to the conditions for its cultivation - how it tolerates cold, whether it is whimsical in care, what kind of soil it loves. This will allow you to create optimal conditions for the growth of sweet peas in accordance with a certain type of climate.
Preparing seeds for planting
Take a look at the seeds of any, and you will notice that their shell is very dense. It is because of this that the seeds are “unfriendly” and germinate for quite a long time. For faster germination, it is better to prepare the material in advance.
You can do this in 2 ways:
Cut the surface of each seed with a small knife (you can use nail scissors).
Soak seeds overnight (or at least 2 hours) in hot water(80? C). After that, they need to be germinated in a damp cloth (at 20-24? C). Once the seeds have germinated, they are ready for planting. For germination, select only those seeds that are swollen after soaking. Seed material that has not changed in size is unlikely to sprout in the future.
note
Not all sweet pea seeds can be soaked in water. In some plant varieties, they are light (creamy). Such material should be sown dry - moisture will destroy it!
Soil preparation for planting
Sweet peas grow well in fertile, non-acidic, well-drained soil. If the land is exactly like this on your site, then no special additional measures do not need to be done. Just work the flower bed to a depth of 15 cm and fertilize it with compost or manure.
Is the soil clayey and too heavy? Then its additional processing will not be superfluous
For better drainage, add another layer of compost. This will improve the process of absorption of nutrients from the soil by the plant. And to check how well the area is drained, watch it during the rain. If the puddles do not dry out for a long time, then the soil in these places is not drained. Does the water run out right away? No additional measures are required the best place for future seedlings.
For planting, use slightly raised beds. Such beds can be useful for growing other garden plants.
Planting sweet pea seeds
The use of seed material in growing sweet peas is considered by gardeners to be a better method than planting it with seedlings, since the whole process is much simpler.
When you have germinated the seeds, it is time to start planting the plant in open ground. To do this, dig small holes in the soil prepared in advance (depth - 3 cm). The distance between the holes is 8 cm. Place the germinated seeds in these holes - 3 pcs in each.
In the future, when the vine begins to grow, the beds can be thinned out by increasing the distance between the holes - from 8 cm to 14 cm from each other. This will give the plants more room to grow.
Planting sweet peas through seedlings
Why use seedlings at all if planting with seeds is much easier? Firstly, growing seedlings will ensure faster flowering of the plant, and secondly, if desired save variety and collect seeds from future plantings, only this method is suitable.
To prepare seedlings you will need:
sprouted seeds,
containers (trays, boxes, or regular pots),
priming.
Seeds are laid in the ground to a depth of 3 cm (2-3 in each hole) and at a distance of no more than 14 cm from each other. The distance is not important if you use separate pots. Growing seedlings should be accompanied by maintaining a constant temperature - not lower than 20 C. To do this, it is better to cover the trays with foil or place them where there is sunlight (greenhouse, balcony).
Compliance with these conditions will be required until the seedlings give the first shoots. Now, so that the shoots do not stretch strongly upwards, the trays need to be moved to a cooler place.
Seedlings are transferred to a permanent "place of residence" in mid-May. The distance between plantings is 20-25 cm. The depth of the holes will depend on the size of the root system of the plant.
Basic Rule
When transferring seedlings to the garden, do not damage the root system. Take the seedlings out of the container carefully. If the roots are damaged, sweet peas will not produce abundant flowering.
Rules for caring for planting sweet peas
Despite the fact that sweet peas are unpretentious in care and resistant to weather changes, plantings must be looked after so that the stems stretch upwards and bloom profusely. What kind important rules must be observed when caring for plantings of sweet peas, regardless of the variety chosen?
Watering. The soil under the plant should be well moistened throughout the entire period of its flowering. Therefore, if there is no rain, lightly water the plantings every day. But if your goal is to collect seeds from an adult plant, it is worth watering the vine much less frequently (even in too hot summers).
top dressing. Many gardeners agree that sweet peas do not need to be fertilized. In fact, it is. But by exercising additional top dressing soil, you can achieve good results- the plant will bloom longer and more abundantly. 
During the flowering period, plantings are fertilized at least 2 times - a couple of weeks after planting (manure mixed with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer) and just before flowering (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer).
Under sweet peas, it is forbidden to make dressings containing chlorine in their composition - this negatively affects the quality of the inflorescences. Also, do not overdo it with nitrogenous fertilizers.
Weeding. During the period of growth of sweet peas, the soil under it is loosened and rid of weeds at least 5 times.
Pruning inflorescences. If you begin to timely cut inflorescences on which green beans are already tied, you will extend the life of sweet peas - they will bloom until the frost. Therefore, regularly collect the "harvest" of fragrant flowers. But cut the flowers only after they are fully ripe. Also remove dead flowers. They do not benefit the plant, but only take away all the energy from it.
Garter. Sweet pea liana grows very quickly, so support is extremely necessary for him.
Diseases and pests. Sweet peas are not too susceptible to diseases and pests. But you still need to be wary of something: root rot, powdery mildew, black leg, gray mold, aphids, spider mites.
Sweet pea is an annual plant. By itself, it will not return to your garden next summer - you need to collect its seeds. To do this, save the seed pods of the plant until the next season, so that in the next season you can enjoy a pleasant aroma and admire beautiful flowers.
The unpretentious annual "sweet pea" is able to bring a gentle charm even for country cottage area, even on the balcony of a city apartment. This flower is planted with seeds, which can be bought at any garden store or ordered online if you want to purchase an exclusive variety.
Sweet pea seeds are planted directly into the ground in early May. In order for the flower to bloom faster, seedlings are first grown from seeds, and then sent to open ground. If you have the opportunity to do seedlings, then do not be lazy and grow it. Begin preparations in the last decade of March - soak dry peas for one day in water. Then wrap them in a damp cloth and wait for them to hatch. good seeds will be ready for landing in early April. Plant seeds with small sprouts in separate 200 ml peat pots. If you take smaller ones, then the roots will be strongly intertwined, which will affect the quality of an adult plant. Put one seed in each pot so that young plants do not dive in the future. Buy land in a special store - “For seedlings”. Keep the pots warm until seedlings appear, and constantly moisten the ground. After germination, move them to a cooler place - a glazed balcony will do. Water regularly as the soil dries out. As soon as the first pair of true leaves is formed on the plant, pinch the growing point so that the flower begins to bush. Do the same with the side shoots. By landing in the ground, and this will be the beginning of May, several full-fledged sweet pea bushes will grow on your window. Plant them in the ground as soon as all danger of night frost has passed. If the spring turns out to be protracted and the landing will have to be done in mid-May, then buds may appear on young plants. Be sure to cut them off so that the flower in the ground does not waste energy on their development - they will be required for rooting.
At the very beginning, we said that seeds can be planted directly into the ground. In this case, proceed in the same way as when growing seedlings, but plant the seeds immediately on permanent place. Cover the seedlings overnight with jars so that frost does not grab them. If some of the leaves darken a little, then do not rush to dig up the peas - it can withstand small sub-zero temperatures and will definitely leave.
Can be direct sowing in the ground in a permanent place. It can be sown early enough, in mid-May, as its shoots endure frosts down to -5 degrees. But given that sweet peas bloom 60-90 days after germination, it is better to grow large-flowered, terry and tall varieties through seedlings. Peas, like all plants with a tap root system, does not tolerate transplant therefore, it is desirable to grow it in peat pots.
Start preparing for sowing in the last days of March.
sweet pea color mix
Prepare the seeds for planting. First, soak the seeds in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate. Then rinse well and place them for a day in hot (40-55 degrees) water. So that the water does not cool down longer, you can soak the seeds in a small thermos. After that, hold them for 3-5 days in a damp cloth at room temperature or immediately sow in peat pots.
Prepare the ground. Prepare the soil mixture for sowing from 2 parts of peat, 1 part of turf or garden soil and 0.5 parts of washed sand. Sweet peas prefer neutral and slightly alkaline soils, so for every 3 liters of prepared mixture, add 0.5 cups of wood ash.
MATERIALS
- priming
- peat pots
- plastic pots
- mini greenhouse
Step 1
Fill received soil mixture peat pots about three-quarters of the volume, compact, spread the prepared seeds on the surface. Fall asleep thin layer soil.
Step 2
Water carefully, making sure that the soil is not washed away with water. Add more soil if necessary.
Step 3
To keep the walls of the peat pots always moist and the roots to grow freely through them, place the peat pots in suitable plastic pots or wrap them in plastic / cling film.
Step 4
Place the seedlings in a greenhouse or cover plastic bag. At a temperature of +20 degrees, sweet peas sprout in 7-10 days. As soon as shoots appear, remove the shelter and place the seedlings in a bright place. So that the seedlings do not stretch much, it is advisable to lower the temperature to 15-17 degrees. As soon as the seedlings reach a height of 10-15 centimeters, remove the extra ones, leaving one of the strongest and place a small support in the pot. Make sure that the shoots are not intertwined. Also, keep an eye on the humidity of the earthy coma, do not let it dry out: peas react painfully to drying out the soil. If the seedlings are too long, and it is too early to plant in the ground, then pinch the top of it. Not bad if it is possible to keep seedlings in a greenhouse at this time, it is useful to lower night temperatures.
Step 5
Seedlings can be planted in the ground as early as mid-May, as hardened seedlings of sweet peas endure temperature drops to -3 - 5 degrees. Choose a place for it with good lighting, protected from the wind. The soil must be fertile, deeply cultivated. It is advisable to prepare it in the fall. into place future landing add compost or humus, as well as 20 grams of double superphosphate and 10-15 grams potash fertilizer for 1 square meter. If the soil in your area has hyperacidity, then you need to add 200 grams dolomite flour per 1 square meter. In the spring, before planting, dig deep into the prepared area. Carefully, so as not to disturb the roots, remove those parts of the peat pot through which the roots have not yet had time to grow.
Sweet pea is considered one of the most original ornamental plants. Caring for it is quite complicated, and therefore not everyone knows what kind of flower it is. Do not confuse it, for example, with a product such as peas.
And although the latter is the seeds of the same "climbing" plant as sweet peas, this is not the same species. ornamental plant grown to decorate and decorate arbors, porches and mesh fences.
Depending on the variety, the height of the pea stalk can vary from 50 to 200 cm. In our country, tall varieties are more often used. cultivation from seeds of which is quite affordable, prefers sunny, protected from strong winds places. At the same time, the presence of a shadow is practically not allowed.
The seedling method of breeding this plant is considered more preferable. The fact is that he has a fairly long vegetative period. Fragrant from the seeds of which open field you can start from the end of May, in this case it will bloom only in August. He is not afraid of frosts and can easily endure cold snaps down to -5 degrees Celsius.
With the seedling method, you can start acting from the first of April. In both the first and second cases, seeds (2 pieces each) are introduced into a hole about two centimeters deep. These plants do not like tightness as much as acidic soil. In this case, they will grow very slowly. Poorly tolerates peas and transplants. After moving to the open ground, he gets sick for a long time and stops growing for two weeks. However, in any case, already in early or mid-July, you can get blooming sweet peas. Growing from seeds by planting immediately in open ground, as mentioned above, allows you to get flowers only at the end of summer.
In any case, this plant requires high-quality air and water permeable soil. Otherwise, the bushes may even die. Adult flowers are planted in such a way that there are no more than four plants per 1 m 2. Perennial sweet peas are recommended to be grown in one place for no more than four years in a row. This is due to the fact that spores of a pathogenic fungus, which is very dangerous for the health of flowers, accumulate in the soil. For the same reason, do not fertilize the plant with fresh organic fertilizers.
Feed up
Its before flowering with urea or rotted chicken manure. In autumn, preparing the beds, humus is introduced into the soil. Sweet peas, growing from seeds and seedling way which is a rather difficult task, they are watered not under a bush, but at a distance of twenty centimeters, so as not to compact the soil. Loosening is necessary after each watering.
Supports for this weaving plant are placed fourteen days after the first shoots appear. As they grow, the stems are directed in such a way that a beautiful, continuous fragrant "wall" is obtained. Each variety of peas smells differently, but they all look unusually impressive. Often its flowers are compared to colorful butterflies. They look very interesting. For bouquets take peduncles with a length of 25 cm.
sweet pea - climbing plant suitable for decorating balconies, porches, pergolas and gazebos. This perennial is unpretentious, grows very quickly and pleases with delicate multi-colored buds all summer. Spectacular appearance complements the delicate aroma, making the flower a real find for those who want to try their hand at gardening.
- 1 Tall. This category includes varieties that reach 3 m in length. Strong flower stalks up to 35 cm high are intended for cutting, they are also suitable for landscaping the site.
- 2 Medium height. The members of the group are more compact size and do not need support. The length of the stem is 60-90 cm, the flowers are large, double, with a pleasant delicate aroma.
- 3 Miniature. The group combines low plants with strong stems 15-45 cm long. Ideal for decorating flower beds, goes well with other summer plants.
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Variety selection
Sweet pea perennial or rank - fast growing herbaceous plant from the legume family. The stem is thin and flexible, reaches 3 m in length. Ampel species attached to the support with antennae, more compact options don't need support. Inflorescences, which are rich in shades, deserve special attention. Butterfly-shaped buds have smooth or corrugated petals; terry varieties have also been bred by breeders. Flowers are in pairs or small clusters. There are options for snow-white, pink, cream, purple, bright red or cherry tones. The buds have a delicate sweet almond scent that attracts pollinating insects.
About 1000 varieties of peas are known, all of them are divided into groups. The easiest way to classify plants is by stem length.
In each category there are varieties that are worth paying attention to. Special attention. When choosing seeds, it is worth considering that many varieties of foreign selection have a low germination rate and pick up buds later than domestic counterparts. For planting in the ground, it is recommended to pay special attention to Russian varieties, different rapid growth and profuse flowering.
Alice. Tall liana with elegant pink-cream flowers collected in graceful brushes. Suitable for vertical gardening, the buds bloom in late spring and have a pleasant persistent aroma.
Teremziy. Liana up to 3 m long, strewn with medium-sized, very fragrant white-pink flowers, collected in pairs.
Selectflower. Unusual option with cherry red buds. The stems are long and strong, very fast growing and good set green mass.
Cremona. Graceful plant with creamy fragrant flowers collected in clusters of 5-7 pieces. Slightly corrugated petals look very nice in bouquets.
Lummer. Medium-sized variety with large white-pink buds. It differs especially lush bloom, good in the flower bed and in the cut.
Galina. A miniature version with a spectacular purple-lilac color. Pairs perfectly with varieties of whites, creams and shades of pink It has a very pleasant rich aroma.
Argyrine. Unique dwarf variety can be grown in flower beds or in pots. The flowers are white-pink, fragrant, double.
Where to plant a flower?
Sweet peas, planting which will not cause much trouble to the gardener, can be placed in any corner of the site. Tall varieties are suitable for zoning, decoration of recreation areas. climbing vines it is easy to arrange gazebos, benches, playgrounds, summer kitchens. They can't hide too much beautiful walls outbuildings, decorate a porch or a lattice fence. Long stems are perfect for landscaping verandas, loggias and balconies. Sweet Pea and its cultivation from seed is very interesting topic. Seedlings mixed into the ground take root faster, flowering will be more abundant.
When sowing or transplanting tall varieties, it is necessary to provide for the presence of supports. For flexible vines, wooden, plastic or metal gratings, rope trellises are suitable. With the help of tendrils, the plant can cling to tree trunks, so vines can be planted next to dead wood or tall stumps that need to be masked. Flowers grow very quickly and completely wrap around any support in 1-2 months.
Medium-sized varieties are ideal for decorating flower beds, rabatok, they can be planted along the paths. Decorative polka dots goes well with other cultures, and a variety of colors allows you to choose good decision for any composition. Dwarf forms can serve as an elegant backdrop for more tall plants. They are placed in pots and flowerpots, used to decorate rockeries and alpine slides. Plant containers can be placed on open veranda, they will fill the air with a delicate sweet aroma, especially pleasant on a hot summer day.
Propagation by seeds and growing seedlings
Sweet peas perennial can be sown directly into the ground, but more often it is propagated by seedlings. Sowing material is prepared in April. Seeds can be collected in own garden or purchase in specialized stores. On sale, mixtures are often presented, selected according to the height of the bush, but differing in color and shape of the buds. If desired, you can find varietal plants. You need to buy them from trusted suppliers that guarantee authenticity and high quality seed material.
Growing sweet peas from seeds is very interesting and simple process to which children can be drawn. At proper germination failures are virtually non-existent. First, the prepared material is sorted out, rejecting ugly or too small specimens, the rest are poured hot water(temperature around 50 degrees). A day later, the pop-up hollow seeds are thrown away, the liquid is drained from the glass. This procedure will help slightly soak the dense and hard shell and significantly increase germination.
The remaining specimens are placed in wet sand until seedlings appear. Alternative option- wrapping the seed in a damp cloth, which must be constantly moistened. After pecking, the seeds are transplanted into previously prepared soil. Sweet peas prefer a light and nutritious substrate from a mixture of garden soil, humus, sand and peat. Flowers can be grown in containers, but individual containers made of cardboard, plastic or peat are much more convenient. When transplanting young plant carefully removed from the cassette, the roots are not injured, the flowers take root faster in a new place. Seedlings need to be watered with soft settled water, preferably rain. Fertilizers are not required, all necessary nutrients peas are obtained from properly composed soil.
When young seedlings grow up to 15 cm, you can prepare them for moving to a permanent place in the garden or in balcony boxes. You should not pull with a transplant, this can delay flowering. Best time for the design of flower beds - the beginning of May. Peas are not afraid of short-term night frosts. The earthen ball is carefully removed from the pot; it is impossible to shake off the soil from the roots or pull the seedlings by the stem. The plant is placed in a shallow hole and sprinkled with earth. It is not worth deepening it, it can cause rotting of the stem. After planting, the soil around is crushed by hands, the plantings are watered with soft settled water. With the right movement, the plants quickly take root, flowering begins in the first decade of July.
Sowing in open ground: pros and cons
Sweet peas are an annual and growing from seed is a topic covered in many gardening magazines. Most manuals recommend sowing seedlings, this allows you to speed up flowering. However, sometimes the rule can be neglected. When planting in boxes placed on an insulated balcony or a closed loggia, there is no need to germinate the seed in separate containers. After pecking, it is placed in a pre-prepared soil, watered and covered with plastic foam. Under these conditions, the flowers quickly start growing and develop well. The absence of a transplant guarantees the friendly formation of buds, they become larger and more decorative.
Propagation by seeds in the open field is suitable for warm regions. When planted at the end of April, the creepers are gaining strength by the beginning of summer, and flowering will begin as early as mid-June. Helps speed up soil warming plastic film, which is laid out on the ground 1-2 weeks before sowing. This technique will maintain a normal level of moisture in the soil and protect young peas from weeds.
Before precipitation, the soil is carefully loosened, humus, peat and complex fertilizers are applied. You can not add top dressing containing nitrogen to the soil, since legumes are able to synthesize this component on their own. Manure is also undesirable, it causes Fusarium wilt and is very dangerous for tender seedlings.
Seeds are sown in holes of 2-3 pieces. The distance between plants should not be less than 20 mm. The thickening of plantings leads to a deterioration in flowering, the buds grow small or do not tie at all. After sowing, the soil is lightly compacted and watered. warm water from a watering can with a wide spray. A hose jet can wash away the ground. The first shoots appear after 7-10 days, peas will bloom in early or mid-July.
flower care
Plants are undemanding to care and easily put up with the mistakes of novice gardeners. Very important point- Choosing a place to land. Polka dots prefer good lighting, slight partial shade is possible. The more sunlight the vine receives, the larger, more beautiful and richer in color the buds will be.
Flowers like moderate watering, but do not tolerate stagnant moisture in the soil. When planting in balcony boxes, it is necessary good drainage. Before transplanting into the ground garden soil mixed with peat or old humus, after which they are carefully loosened. A neutral or slightly alkaline soil reaction is preferred; preliminary liming can be carried out in acidic areas.
Immediately after transplantation, young plants of tall varieties are tied to a support. In order not to injure tender stems, it is better to use soft strips of cloth or special plastic clips.
Regular hilling and sprinkling of humus to the base of the stem will help stimulate root growth. Application 1-2 times per season is possible complex fertilizers based on phosphorus and potassium. To make flowering more abundant, withered buds are cut off in a timely manner. Such an operation will help preserve the decorativeness of the vines. On the lower branches, you can leave a few ovaries to form seed pods, they are harvested at the end of the season.
Peas do not need pinching and pruning. Remove only broken or deformed branches. At the end of the season, the vines are cut at the root and put into compost. Perennial roots are covered with peat and sawdust, this helps the plant successfully survive the most severe winter. If peas were grown as an annual, the vines are removed along with the root.
Diseases and pests
In the garden or in balcony boxes, delicate plants are threatened by insects that want to feast on juicy greenery. Most often, the flowers are attacked by aphids, spider mites or whiteflies. On the open beds possible invasion of naked slugs. Timely weeding and mulching the soil with peat will help prevent the appearance of pests.
Spraying helps against flying insects cold water, when larvae are found, you can use industrial insecticides in spray. Slugs are removed by hand, the soil is cultivated aqueous solution ammonia. Plants are practically not affected by viruses, they are also resistant to diseases.
Beauty, delicate aroma, simple care - all this is sweet peas. Planting and care will not cause much trouble, the novice gardener will be rewarded abundant flowering, which will last until autumn.