Saving seeds from sweet pea pods is a great way to propagate and grow more plants for the following year. However, it’s important to note that while the seed pods of sweet peas may resemble snap pea pods, they are not edible. Sweet pea plants (Lathyrus odoratus) are actually flowering vines that produce beautiful and fragrant flowers, rather than edible peas.
To save seeds from sweet pea pods, you’ll want to wait until the pods are fully mature and dry on the vine. This usually occurs towards the end of the growing season, when the pods have turned brown and become brittle. Gently remove the pods from the plant, being careful not to damage them or dislodge the seeds inside.
Once you have collected the pods, it’s a good idea to allow them to dry further indoors for a couple of weeks. This will ensure that any remaining moisture is removed, reducing the risk of mold or rot. Place the pods in a well-ventilated area, such as a paper bag or mesh container, and store them in a cool, dry place.
When you’re ready to sow the seeds, you can do a simple germination test to check their viability. Take a few seeds and place them between moist paper towels or in a shallow dish with water. If the seeds sprout within a week or so, you can be confident that they are still viable and can be planted.
To plant the sweet pea seeds, prepare a well-draining soil mix in pots or trays. Fill the containers with a seed-starting mix or a combination of compost and perlite. Moisten the soil lightly before sowing the seeds.
Gently press the seeds into the soil, spacing them about an inch apart. Cover them with a thin layer of soil, approximately the same thickness as the seed itself. Mist the soil surface with water to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil.
Place the pots or trays in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Sweet pea seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the germination process.
Within a couple of weeks, you should start to see the seedlings emerge. As they grow, provide support for the vines to climb, such as a trellis or stakes. Sweet peas are vigorous climbers and will benefit from something to cling onto.
It’s important to note that the new plants grown from saved sweet pea seeds may not produce flowers that are the same color as the parent plant. Sweet peas come in a wide range of colors and varieties, and cross-pollination can occur between different plants in the same vicinity. This can result in new and unique flower colors in the next generation.
Saving and using seeds from sweet pea pods is a rewarding way to propagate these beautiful flowering vines. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully grow new plants from the saved seeds. Just remember that the resulting flowers may not be the same color as the original plant, adding a touch of surprise and variety to your garden.
