Do sweet peas need full sun?

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Growing sweet peas is a real pleasure, the blooms and the scent they produce are simply beautiful. So it is no wonder you are planning on growing some in your garden, you have probably heard that sweet peas need full sun, but is this really true? Let’s have a look and find out.

Sweet peas will grow in partial shade or dappled shade, but they will always be best in full sun.

Sweet Peas Growing Up Stick Supports
Sweet Peas Growing Up Stick Supports

So you can grow sweet peas in partial shade. As long as they have the sun on them for some part of the day they will grow and flower. What will happen though is that they won’t produce as many flowers as they will if they are in full sun.

If they are in full sun during mid-day, but shade in the morning or afternoon then they will still do really well. The main issue is when they are not getting the mid-day peak sunlight.

If grown in a shady spot they will be smaller than regular sweet peas and also produce much fewer flowers. If the spot is in complete shade then they may not even flower at all.

Sweet Peas Growing Up Bamboo Canes
Sweet Peas Growing Up Bamboo Canes

If you were to grow your sweet peas in pots then you would have full control to move them around the garden and hunt out the sun if you thought they were not getting enough light. You can even grow dwarf varieties in hanging baskets for a wonderful display.

Sweetpeas

sweet peas, (Lathyrus odoratus) are a flowering plant belonging to the legume family. They are an annual flower that loves to climb and spread, in the right conditions and with the correct support they can grow to 2 and a half meters tall!

Unlike many other legumes which are grown to be eaten, sweet peas are grown for purely aesthetic reasons. There is evidence to suggest that the pea seeds from a sweet pea plant are actually toxic to humans and not fit for consumption even if this was desired.

Sweetpea FAQ’s

Are sweet peas perennial?

No sweet peas are an annual plant, they will not come back year after year.

Can you eat sweetpeas?

No, sweet peas are grown purely for their looks. Unlike many other legumes, they are actually toxic to humans if consumed.

Are sweet peas poisonous to pets?

Yes, as they are poisonous to humans they are also poisonous to pets, so make sure you keep an eye on your pets when they are hovering around sweet peas.

How high can sweet peas grow?

With the proper support, sweet peas can grow to 2m or even slightly above!

When do you grow sweet peas?

The traditional season for sweet peas is June and July but with the right care and attention, they can be both started earlier and grown later into the season. Regular deadheading of sweetpeas can massively prolong their flowering period.

How to germinate sweet peas?

I like to soak my sweet pea seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in a seed tray. This soaking helps to break down the tough shell around the seed allowing them to germinate better.

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