Organic Sweet Pea Spencer Mix

Description

Organic Sweet Pea Spencer Mix

One of the most popular and reliable sweet pea series, this Spencer mix provides a well balanced range of classic sweet pea colours, the majority of which are scented.

Cultivation Advice For Organic Sweet Pea Spencer Mix

• Choose a location with full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. Sweet peas thrive in cooler weather but can tolerate some warmth.
• Work the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches, removing debris and incorporating organic matter like compost for improved fertility and drainage.
• Plant sweet pea seeds directly into the garden in early spring or late fall, allowing enough time before the hottest part of summer. They prefer cooler temperatures.
• Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and space them around 4-6 inches apart. Ensure proper spacing to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Mulching also helps maintain a more consistent soil temperature.
• Prior to planting, incorporate organic fertilizers or compost into the soil to provide essential nutrients. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can result in more foliage than flowers.
• Provide a trellis, fence, or other support structures for the sweet peas to climb. Spencer Mix sweet peas are vining plants that benefit from vertical support.
• Monitor for pests like aphids or powdery mildew. Employ organic pest control methods such as neem oil or introducing beneficial insects if needed.
• Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Trim back any damaged or excessive growth to promote a healthier plant.
• Sweet peas attract bees and other pollinators. Encourage their presence by avoiding the use of chemical pesticides harmful to pollinators.
• Protect sweet peas from strong winds and excessive heat. Mulch around the base can help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
• Sweet peas prefer cooler temperatures. If you’re in a warmer climate, consider planting them where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade to protect them from intense heat.
• Regularly inspect the plants for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preventing further issues.
• Consider staggered plantings every few weeks to ensure a continuous display of blooms throughout the growing season.
• Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses can be effective for targeted watering.
• As the sweet peas grow, gently tie the vines to the support structure to encourage upward growth and prevent tangling or drooping.
• Supplement the soil with a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and flower production.
• Sweet peas are available in scented varieties. Consider including scented Spencer Mix varieties for a delightful fragrance in your garden.
• When harvesting sweet pea blooms for indoor arrangements, cut stems in the morning or evening for longer vase life. Change the water in the vase regularly.
• Remove faded or spent blooms promptly to encourage new growth and prolong the flowering period.
• Practice good garden hygiene by removing any fallen or diseased plant material to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Apply a mulch layer of about 2-3 inches around the plants. Avoid excessively thick mulch layers, especially near the base of the stems, which can lead to stem rot.
• Regularly cut sweet pea flowers for indoor arrangements. Frequent cutting encourages the plants to produce more blooms and extends the flowering season.
• If some stems appear weak or drooping, gently tie them to the support structure to prevent them from bending or breaking.
• In hot climates or when the weather turns warmer, consider lightly pruning the plants to encourage new growth and delay the onset of flowering to prolong the blooming period.
• Allow some seed pods to mature on the plant if you want to collect seeds for future planting. Harvest the pods when they turn brown and start to dry out.
• Add a top dressing of compost or organic matter around the base of the plants during the growing season to provide continuous nutrients to the soil.
• Sweet Pea Spencer Mix typically comes in various colors. Enjoy the diverse array of hues and experiment with different color combinations in your garden.