How to grow sweet peas in pots from plugs

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How to grow sweet peas in pots from plugs

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at 8:00 am

We show you how to create a magnificent summer display of sweet peas, starting from plug plants.

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Sweet pea plugs can be used to glorious effect when planted in pots and containers, growing to create a striking pillar of scented flowers that will last for months on end.

To grow sweet pea plugs in pots outdoors, they must first be hardened off and given some protection. A sheltered spot or a frame outside for a few weeks is ideal. To get the best blooms, a method exhibition growers use is to nip out the energy-sapping side shoots and tendrils.

For similar container displays of summer-flowering climbers, you could try our morning glory pot display or our gazania and black-eyed Susan pot display.

Discover how to grow sweet peas in pots from plugs, for a beautiful summer display, in just three easy steps.

You Will Need

Sweet pea plugs
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Loam-based compost
Pea sticks

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Planting sweet peas

Sweet peas thrive in pots. Choose a rich peat free potting compost and mix in loam-based compost to provide extra water retention. Firm in the compost well.

See our guide to the best peat free compost to find a range that suits your needs.

Step 2

Tying in supports

Use pea sticks, wire mesh or pea netting for support. Plant the plugs close to their supports. Individual plants grown as one plug can be carefully separated.

Step 3

Watering the sweet peas

Soak the newly planted plugs and once they start to grow away use a liquid feed regularly to encourage strong growth and continuous flowering. Here are some tips on making your sweet peas last longer.

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