My SP are doing well in cold gh so a couple of new questions:
1) I nipped out tops when they were small but lead shoots are about 7in now. Sh I nip them out again or support them?
2) When is best to start transfer to cold frame?
Thanks
Lots of views but no replies so did some research and found the answers. There seems to be a different approach depending whether autumn or spring sown. Mine are autumn sown so no hardening off required. Also, I think that all tall shoots must be nipped out. If anyone disagrees let me know.
Beware of mice.... Our SP still in packets. sow next week may be.
Quote from: picman on February 01, 2016, 20:23:56
Beware of mice.... Our SP still in packets. sow next week may be.
mine too march for me
My sweet peas are ready to plant out once the soil is in good condition, I do not pinch the tips out , after planting and the plants have settled in I tie in the best growth. Yo can see the results on my blog. We all do things different I sow on October 8th every year and then grow as have as I can. Results can be seen on my blog.
Decided to try an autumn sowing for the first time late last year as my spring sown plants did dismally and never really got going. Plants are not very sheltered but seem to be doing fine so far, I haven't pinched mine out yet either.
still sitting on my hands will direct sow in march :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:
I autumn sow as I think I get a far better root system, to give the plans a good start and with the shows starting in June they need to be going well by then. I always grow as cordons as my first head gardener taught me 60 + years ago.
On my albeit limited results so far, I'm not going to argue with your sage advice! I hope they will survive the harsher weather though, that's the only thing I'm concerned about..