As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that the best month to plant sweet peas is between October and April. However, for optimal results, it is recommended to aim for two specific timeframes: late October/November or late February/March. Let me explain why.
During midwinter, temperatures and light levels are less than ideal for sweet pea growth. The colder weather and shorter days can inhibit germination and slow down the growth of the plants. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid sowing sweet pea seeds during this time.
Late October/November is an excellent time to sow sweet peas because the weather is typically milder, and the days are still relatively long. The soil is still warm from the summer months, which promotes faster germination and root development. By sowing sweet peas in late October or November, you give them a head start and a longer growing season to establish themselves before the colder winter months set in.
Similarly, late February/March is another suitable period for planting sweet peas. By this time, the days are gradually getting longer, and the soil starts to warm up again after the winter. Sowing sweet peas in late February or March allows them to take advantage of the increasing daylight and rising temperatures, promoting healthy growth and abundant blooms.
If you missed the ideal sowing windows in late October/November or late February/March, don’t worry. Sweet peas can still be sown directly into the ground in April or May. By this time, the weather is generally warmer, and the risk of frost is reduced. However, keep in mind that sowing sweet peas later in the season may result in a shorter flowering period, as they will have a limited time to establish themselves before the onset of summer.
In my personal experience, I have found that sowing sweet peas in late February or early March yields excellent results. The weather is starting to hint at spring, and the longer days provide sufficient light for healthy growth. I have witnessed sweet peas thriving in these conditions, producing vibrant and fragrant blooms throughout the spring and early summer months.
To summarize, the best months to plant sweet peas are between October and April. Late October/November and late February/March are particularly ideal for sowing sweet pea seeds due to the milder weather, longer days, and warmer soil. However, if you miss these optimal sowing windows, you can still sow sweet peas directly into the ground in April or May, although the flowering period may be shorter.
