Sweet Pea question again

[lorna]

As previously said my Sweet Peas have germinated very well. Seeds were sown in a cold greenhouse.  They are now nearly 3" tall, should I leave them in the greenhouse (it will not be heated) or do they need to go outside. I don't have a cold frame. Many thanks.

[lorna]

[Hyacinth]

Hiya Lorns!

Toadspawn wrote this:-

If sweet pea are sown in October they need to be kept very cool overwinter to stop the plants getting too leggy. Mine were sown last weekend in the GH. As soon as they are about half an inch tall the pots will be put into a cold frame. No top is put on the frame and they are left exposed to all the winter elements. They are very hardy. The pots are embedded in peat or used compost as protection for the . I might cover the frame if heavy snow is forecast just to stop the plants being crushed. The plants are transplanted into their flowering position in March/April. This has worked for at least 20 years.

...so I guess it's out into the open world for your little loves?

Cheers!

[lorna]

I did read Toadspawn's post but I am a bit concerned as I haven't got a cold frame. Maybe I can knock a quick one up with spare bricks I have got and perhaps buy a sheet of perspex to cover if needed. It may have to wait until I get back from Kent.

[Hyacinth]

Wouldn't think there's any need for anything fancy...greengrocer's crates perhaps? and if you've a piece of fleece (or redundent net curtains ;)) to put over the top if frost/snow is forecast, this should do it?

I think.... ;D

[lorna]

Might try that, just been up greenhouse and they are almost growing before my eyes!!

[Georgie]

Not sure about the protection question, Lorna, but don't forget to pinch them out once they have a couple of pairs of true leaves.   :)

G x

[lorna]

Thanks Georgie will do that tomorrow, but please tell me what is meant by true leaves? I know it has been mentioned before but can't remember when/where.

[betula]

The ones following the first set of leaves Lorna.

[Georgie]

The ones following the first set of leaves Lorna.

As Betula says.  The first ones are sometimes called seed leaves or 'cotyledon' if you want to be posh.   ;D

G x

[lorna]

Many thanks. I will be pinching tomorrow morning!! have got quite a few to do.

[PurpleHeather]

I don't know if it will help but for an emergency cover for small plants in pots I have used plastic carrier bags.

Put a couple of thin canes in the sides of the pot, to make a frame then place the bag over and tuck the handles under the pot to keep in place.

[lorna]

I think I may edge my bets. I am going away for 2 weeks on Saturday so I may put some of the plants outside, could use your idea Purple Heather as I can't see me having enough time to make anything more permanent.  Then leave some in the cold greenhouse. I have more which have now germinated so will leave them where they are. Thanks for all the help

[martinrowe]

What will pinching the tops out do to them, as I thought that removing plant tops stopped them growing upwards, but if they only have a few leaves on, they will not be very tall.  (I may just be having a thick moment).

[Hyacinth]

Makes them bush out sideways, Martin 8)

[shirlton]

I keep my sweet peas on the windowsill outside and cover with fleece when there is a chance of frost. I don't pinch mine until they have 4 sets of leaves. Then if I'm growing cordon sweet peas I wait until they have been in the ground for a few weeks and the plants will throw up a really strong new shoot from the bottom. I then take the rest of the growth off the top. It really depends on how you want to grow them and what quality of flowers you want.

[lorna]

Thanks Shirl. I did put some outside yesterday. I put them under the overhang roof area of the sun room. So hopefully they will get some protection. Didn't want to put too many out as I am away for 2 weeks as from tomorrow.