Keeping sweet peas sweet

Consistent care ensures bountiful flowers, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

TO my way of thinking, a summertime garden without a stand of sweet peas is sadly lacking, because they add so much and cause very little trouble.

Most people opt for the traditional scented, climbing varieties, which add height and definition as they scramble up tepees and pergolas. Whether you go for pops of brightness or quieter pastel shades, hardy sweet peas will keep on going until they run out of steam well into the autumn.

However, sweet peas do have a reputation for being a bit ‘tricky’, but if you are consistent in your care, and take a hands-on approach rather than leaving them to their own devices, they should reward you with long display and a stash of seeds for next year’s sowing.

This year I sowed and planted our sweet peas a little later than usual (the first due to forgetfulness, the latter thanks to the cold and wet spring), but they are now growing well.