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FlowersSpring· 5 min read
Growing sweet peas in the UK
Sweet peas are the scent of a British summer. They're forgiving, fast and an excellent starter plant for anyone new to growing from seed.
When to sow
October for the strongest roots, or February to early April on a sunny windowsill or in a cold greenhouse.
Soak the seeds
Soak overnight in lukewarm water — the swollen seeds germinate days faster than dry ones.
Pinch them out
Once seedlings have three pairs of leaves, pinch the top out. You'll get bushier plants and many more flowers.
Pick, pick, pick
The more you cut, the more you get. Stop picking and they'll go to seed within a fortnight.