Crunchy, fresh and reminiscent of childhood - sugar peas have always been popular. Sowing them takes little time and effort and: every beginner can do it!
How do you sow sweet peas correctly?
To sow sugar peas, place the seeds about 2 cm deep in well-loosened, nutrient-rich soil from mid-April to August, distribute them in groups or individually at a distance of 20-30 cm and press the soil lightly. Trellises and nets protect the plants during growth.
Sowing: When, where and how
Sugar peas are grown from mid-April. Sugar peas germinate most effectively at a temperature of 18 °C. Sugar peas can be sown by August at the latest.
Sugar peas love well-loosened and deep soil. Therefore, the soil should be dug around 25 cm deep before sowing. Sugar peas feel most comfortable in a warm, fresh to moist and nutrient-rich substrate.
The sugar peas are planted approximately 2 cm deep in the soil either in groups at a distance of 20 to 30 cm from each other or individually at a distance of 2 to 5 cm. All you need to do is create a groove in the bed and place the seeds there. The soil is then lightly pressed and watered.
Little tricks from experienced gardeners
Are you one of those impatient gardeners who can't wait for the bedding plants to sprout? If so, you should soak the sugar peas in lukewarm water for a day before sowing. If you don't shy away from the effort, you can also germinate them. The first green shoots will appear much faster thanks to this preparatory work.
Sugar peas when they are around 15 cm in size need a climbing aid to give them support. In order not to damage the future root system, the climbing aid should be inserted into the soil right at the start of sowing.
Shortly after sowing, hungry birds are often not far away. They like to eat the seeds and germs. As a precaution, protect the plants from bird damage with a net.
The most proven varieties of sugar peas
Here are various varieties that have proven themselves over the years and ensure good harvest yields:
- ‘Ambrosia’
- ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’
- ‘Heraut’
- ‘Early Heinrich’
- 'Gray Variegated Flower'
Tips & Tricks
In order to enjoy fresh sugar peas all summer long, it is advisable to sow several times. Reseeding can be done every two weeks until the beginning of August.
