How to Grow Sweet Pea

A cool-season flower for the home garden across the warmer US.

Sweet Pea is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Sweet Pea is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the sweet pea page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Royal Mix, Fragrant, heat-tolerant climber (Botanical Interests)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 15 cm (6 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 2 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids, Slugs and Snails. In humid regions, Powdery mildew and Root rot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Sweet Pea is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant sweet pea where you garden.

See also: Sweet Pea in the plant library →

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