- Plant sweet pea seeds in the spring, 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost
- Alternatively, plant in the autumn for stronger and earlier flowering plants.
- Soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination.
- Sow the seeds 2 cm deep in pots or root trainers, as sweet peas require space for their long roots to grow properly.
- Water the seeds lightly after sowing. Wait until the seedlings have sprouted through the soil before watering again.
- Once the seedlings appear, move them to a cool location around 5°C. This cooler temperature will encourage root growth over stem growth.
- When the plant has produced 4 pairs of leaves or reached 10-15 cm tall, pinch out the central growing tip and leave around 2 leaf nodes. This stimulates the plant to produce more side shoots.
- After the risk of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings to their final growing position.
- Space the plants 15-30 cm apart or plant two seedlings per vertical support structure.
- As the plants begin to grow, tie them to the support frame to help strengthen the stems.
Sweet Pea ‘Old Spice Cupani’ is a historic variety first introduced to the UK in 1699 by a Sicilian monk, who sent seeds to Robert Uvedale of Enfield. Closely related to the highly fragrant wild sweet pea found in Sicilian and southern Italian hedgerows, it produces small flowers on short stems while offering an exceptionally strong perfume.
