Sweet Peas

[lizzie]

Hello All

Can someone tell me please if you're supposed to nip the growing tip off sweet peas when they've got 4 sets of true leaves? It's supposed to give stronger, better plants.

I'm sure i've read this somewhere but can't find where. Maybe I dreamed it? It's just that i've got 175 to nip off if it's right

Thanks and ttfn

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Lizzie, it is right, so get nipping.

I've got a tub with some sweetpeas in on the terrace, there are only about six flowers out, but the perfume fills the whole area.

I suppose will have to find some old girl to take a bunch to soon.

[lizzie]

I'd wait until you've got enough to make it worth your while Herby

Thanks for the info

[Brenjon]

I am impresed with the growth of your sweet peas . when did you sow them? Mine are only six inches tall .I hope I am not too late to get a decent show.
Advice pleas on how tohurry them along
Regards B

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Brenjon, i take it you mean my Sweetpeas and not Lizzies.
I sow them about the middle of March in my greenhouse, as soon as they are showing through i just put them in a cold frame, nip the tops out once they get growing, and i find they start flowering round about now.

I must say i wouldn't try and force them on, you will be far better letting nature take it's course and you be rewarded with some lovely bunches of Sweetpeas.
Don't fotget once they start flowering, the more you pick the more they will flower, and don't foget to dead head too.

[Monika]

You nip the tops off so that they form side shoots and therefore give you more stems (and flowers) than just one main stem. I sowed mine in January and they are now planted outside and about 60cm high, not yet flowering. My husband is determined to have some blooms for our village show in September, so he sowed his much later and they are still in root trainers, though outside. His are about 10cm high and very sturdy, having had their tops nipped out about three weeks ago.

[lizzie]

I planted mine about 4 weeks ago and they are going to be nipped and put into a cold frame tomorrow. I just need to find space in a cold frame first. Maybe it's time to rent a space again.