How to grow sweet peas in pots from plugs

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at 8:00 am

We show you how to create a magnificent summer display of sweet peas, starting from plug plants.

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Sweet pea plugs can be used to glorious effect when planted in pots and containers, growing to create a striking pillar of scented flowers that will last for months on end.

To grow sweet pea plugs in pots outdoors, they must first be hardened off and given some protection. A sheltered spot or a frame outside for a few weeks is ideal. To get the best blooms, a method exhibition growers use is to nip out the energy-sapping side shoots and tendrils.

For similar container displays of summer-flowering climbers, you could try our morning glory pot display or our gazania and black-eyed Susan pot display.

Discover how to grow sweet peas in pots from plugs, for a beautiful summer display, in just three easy steps.

You Will Need

Sweet pea plugs
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Loam-based compost
Pea sticks

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Sweet peas thrive in pots. Choose a rich peat free potting compost and mix in loam-based compost to provide extra water retention. Firm in the compost well.

See our guide to the best peat free compost to find a range that suits your needs.

Step 2

Use pea sticks, wire mesh or pea netting for support. Plant the plugs close to their supports. Individual plants grown as one plug can be carefully separated.

Step 3

Soak the newly planted plugs and once they start to grow away use a liquid feed regularly to encourage strong growth and continuous flowering. Here are some tips on making your sweet peas last longer.