FLOWER-SWEET PEA-MIX (SALE)

How to Grow Sweet Pea-Mix

1. Choose a location full sun and well-draining soil.
2. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date in your area, or started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
3. Provide support as they are climbing plants and will need some form of support, such as a trellis, fence, or netting to climb on.
4. Regular watering and fertilisation is import to allow your flowers to thrive. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilise every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertiliser.
5. Deadhead by pinching off dead flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a neat appearance.

Additional growing tips for Sweet Pea-Mix

• Pre-Soak and “Nick” the Seeds for Faster Germination
  Sweet pea seeds have a tough outer coating. To speed up germination:
  Nick the seed coat lightly with a nail file or sandpaper to help moisture penetrate.
  Pre-soak the seeds for 4–6 hours in lukewarm water before planting.
  For an extra boost, soak them in weak chamomile tea to prevent fungal diseases.
• Use a Toilet Roll Tube or Deep Pot for Stronger Roots
  Sweet peas develop long taproots, so Instead of standard seed trays, use toilet roll tubes or root trainers (deep containers) to prevent root disturbance.
  Plant the entire tube into the ground—cardboard decomposes, reducing transplant shock.
• Cold Treatment for Bushier Growth
  If starting indoors, place seedlings outdoors during the day in cool temperatures (5–10°C / 40–50°F) for a week before transplanting. This hardening off trick strengthens the plants, encourages bushier growth, and prevents legginess.
• The “Pinch and Twin” Method for More Blooms
  Once seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, pinch off the top (just above a leaf node).
  This forces the plant to grow multiple stems, leading to more flowers later.
  Twin planting: Instead of one seedling per hole, plant two together for an even fuller effect.
• Companion Plant with Herbs for Pest Control
  Mint & Basil – Deter aphids naturally.
  Chamomile – Enhances plant vigor and deters fungal infections.
  Dill – Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that eat aphids.
• Epsom Salt Boost for Greener Leaves
  If sweet peas look yellowish, add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water every 4 weeks.
  This supplies magnesium, making leaves greener and healthier.
• Banana Peel Tea for Extra Blooms
  Soak banana peels in water for 24 hours. Use this potassium-rich liquid to fertilize sweet peas every 2 weeks—more flowers guaranteed!
• Coffee Grounds for Slow-Release Nitrogen
  Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of the plants to provide slow-release nitrogen and improve soil structure.
  Great for boosting green, lush foliage.
• Use Mulch to Keep Roots Cool
  Sweet peas dislike hot roots! Keep the base cool and moist by:
  Adding a layer of straw, bark, or compost as mulch around the plants.
  Planting low-growing flowers (like alyssum) at their base for shade.
• Water at the Base, Not Overhead
  Watering from above increases the risk of powdery mildew.
  Instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base to keep leaves dry.
• Talk to Your Sweet Peas!
  It may sound unusual, but studies suggest plants respond to sound vibrations. Some gardeners play soft music or talk to their sweet peas—why not try it and see if it helps?

Heritage of Sweet Pea-Mix

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) have a long and cherished history. Native to Sicily and southern Italy, they were first recorded in the 17th century by a Sicilian monk, Father Cupani, who described their rich fragrance. By the 19th century, English horticulturist Henry Eckford hybridized sweet peas, developing larger, more colorful blooms. These Victorian-era varieties became immensely popular in English cottage gardens. Today, sweet pea mixes offer a range of colors and fragrances, maintaining their status as beloved heirloom flowers, often associated with nostalgia, romance, and garden elegance.

SHOP Garden Supplements
Category Colour Guide
Planting Guide for Australia