Last Call for Strong Roots: Why You Need to Sow Sweet Peas
If you look out the window today, the garden probably looks like it’s ready to sleep. The leaves are turning crisp, the frost is nipping at the borders, and the temptation to curl up with a hot drink and a seed catalogue is very real.
But before you hang up your trowel for the winter, there is one last, quiet job that deserves your attention. It’s the last call for autumn-sown Sweet Peas.
While many gardeners wait until the bright days of March to sow their seeds, there is a "secret season" that expert growers love—and it’s right now.
The Mantra: Roots, Not Shoots
When we sow seeds in spring, the plant is in a race. It has to grow roots, stems, leaves, and flowers all at the same time. But when you sow in late autumn, you are giving your plants the luxury of time.
The goal right now isn’t to see tall, green plants. In fact, we want the opposite! We want the energy to go underground.
By sowing in November, you allow the Sweet Pea to establish a deep, robust root system over the winter. While the plant might look small and sleepy on the surface, underneath the soil, it is building the engine that will power huge, fragrant blooms next summer.
Why Sow Now?
-
Earlier Blooms: Autumn-sown plants often flower weeks before their spring-sown cousins.
-
Stronger Plants: That massive root system means your plants will be more drought-resistant when the summer heat hits.
-
Hardier Stems: Plants that overwinter are tougher and less "leggy" than those started in a warm spring greenhouse.
Our Favourites for Autumn Sowing
If you’re ready to give your future self the gift of early summer scent, here are the varieties we are reaching for this week.
For the Indecisive Gardener: If you can't choose just one colour, our Sweet Pea Collection is the perfect starting point. It’s a curated mix of 5 beautiful varieties that we know perform brilliantly. It takes the guesswork out of planning and ensures a stunning, harmonious display.
For Pure Fragrance: If scent is your top priority (and let's be honest, it usually is!), you need Sweet Pea 'Heaven Scent'. As the name suggests, it has a divine fragrance. The blooms are a lovely ruffled apricot-pink that looks like a sunset in a vase.
For Elegant Cut Flowers: For those of you who love bringing posies indoors, Sweet Pea 'Spencer Swan Lake' is a classic choice. It produces pure white, frilly blooms on long, strong stems—perfect for wedding work or just brightening up your kitchen table.
For a Pop of Drama: To contrast with the whites and pinks, try Sweet Pea 'Pimpernell'. It offers a striking, rich purple bloom that adds depth and drama to any cottage garden border.
A Little Winter Care
Once you’ve sown your seeds (remember to use deep pots as Sweet Peas have long roots!), place them in a cold frame or an unheated greenhouse. They are hardy souls, but they will appreciate protection from the harshest frosts—and more importantly, from hungry mice who love the seeds as much as we do!
So, put the kettle on, grab your packet of seeds, and enjoy this last peaceful ritual of the gardening year. Your summer self will thank you for it.
