Few flowers repay a little early effort as generously as the sweet pea. Sown in autumn, it climbs through the cool months and fills the garden with colour and scent by the time the summer show comes round — and a vase of five perfect stems is one of the most contested classes at Rang-e-Bahar.
01When to sow
On the Punjab plains, sow from October to mid-November, as soon as the worst of the heat has broken. Early sowing gives the plants time to build strong roots and long stems before the warm days of spring bring the season to a close, usually by April.
02Where to grow them
Sweet peas want full sun and an open position, sheltered from strong wind. They are climbers, so give them something to climb before you sow: netting, a row of bamboo canes or strings of jute, 1.5 to 2 metres tall.
Prepare the ground a few weeks ahead. Dig deeply and work in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost; sweet peas root deep and like a rich, moist but well-drained soil.
03Sowing
- Soak the seeds in water overnight. Hard, dark seeds that do not swell can be nicked carefully with a nail file on the side away from the "eye".
- Sow 2–3 cm deep and about 8–10 cm apart, in a double row along the base of your support.
- Or sow in pots — deep ones, as the roots are long — and plant out when the seedlings are about 10 cm tall.
The more you pick, the more they flower. A sweet pea left to set seed simply stops.
04Early care
When the young plants have three or four pairs of leaves, pinch out the growing tip. This encourages strong side shoots, which carry the best flowers. Guide the tendrils onto the support as they grow, water at the base rather than over the leaves, and mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.
05Feeding and flowering
Once flower buds appear, feed every two weeks with a feed rich in potash. Then pick, and keep picking: cut flowers every day or two, and remove any pods that form. A plant that sets seed believes its work is done.
06Common problems
- Aphids on young tips — wash them off with a jet of water or a neem spray.
- Powdery mildew late in the season — give the plants good air flow and water in the morning.
- Birds pulling up seedlings — protect new rows with a little netting.
07For the show
Cut in the cool of the early morning. Choose stems that are long and straight, with four or five well-spaced florets: the lowest fully open, the top bud just showing colour. Stand them in deep water for a few hours before staging. The Rang-e-Bahar schedule asks for a vase of five stems — make them as alike as you can.
