How to grow Sweet Pea in Australia
Grow in full sun in deep, rich, well drained soil with a trellis or netting for the tendrils to climb. Water deeply and keep roots cool with mulch.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 15 cm
- Time to harvest: 75 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to June | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to June | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to June | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to June | |
| Adelaide & SA | March to June | |
| Perth & WA | March to June | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September and October | Sow Sep to Oct, or Mar to Apr in mild coastal gardens for earlier flowers. Cool springs grow superb sweet peas. |
| Canberra & ACT | March and April, September and October | Sow Mar to Apr so seedlings are sturdy before the hard frosts and flower in spring, or Sep to Oct for early summer flowers. |
| North Queensland | April and May | Marginal. Sow Apr to May in the dry for a winter flush. Needs the coolest months NQ can offer. |
| Darwin & Top End | May and June | Marginal. Dry season May to Jun only with the coolest nights. SEQ Mar to Apr sowing lands in the wet. |
Varieties
- Old Spice Mix
- Mammoth Mix
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Cut flowers when the lower blooms on a stem are open. Snip stems often, as steady cutting keeps the vine throwing new flowers.
Storage
Cut flowers last 5 to 7 days in a vase. Pick regularly to extend flowering season.