Sweet Peas

[gary]

This is the first time I have grown sweet peas so when do they stop flowering? I have been cutting them every couple of days for some time now, but at what stage (time) do they enough is enough?

Also how tall do they grow? I have grown them up a 6 foot fence they are up and over the other side now, next door is now also cutting them.

I would like to try to save some seeds so when is the best time to leave some to go to seed.

Finally on saving seeds I have mixed colours, will they be the same colour next year, or will they merge?

Gary

[gary]

[cazy]

Going back to when I was a little girl and my dad used to grow them.  I think you should pinch the tops out when they reach the top of the canes, and late in the season let a few pods ripen into seeds for the next year. 

But I was a little girl and I'm sure someone with a bit more experience will put you on the right track.

[Mrs Ava]

I think if you keep cutting, they will go on until the weather gets nippy and growth slows down.  I guess once you have had enough of them, then just let them go so you get plenty of healthy seed pods which can dry naturally on the plant so don't leave it too late as you will want a dry (ha!) warm (ha ha!) spell to get the pods nicely crisp and dry.

If you have mixed colours, then I can't see why you wouldn't have a mixture next year.  Old Jack on my allotment saves his seed every year, hasn't brought any for donkies, and every year he has a lovely show with mixed colours and the scent is amazing.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Does anyone know whether they'll some true if you have several varieties?

[shirlton]

Yes they do come true. Occasionally you may get a sport. If you want to save seed you really have to grow them just for seed cos sometimes the summer isn't long enough for the seeds to ripen. I grow mine separately and this year although I haven't picked even one they are only just starting to set seed. Theres agreat site on the web that gives the info on growing them either for show or for picking www.sweetpeas.org.uk/how.htm

[simon404]

I've found that if you keep cutting them eventually the size and quality of the flowers and stalks diminishes and this is the time to stop picking and let them seed. However if you get tired of picking they can be left to go to seed anytime.  :)