Sweet Pea seedlings

[Jenegade]

Hi,

I planted some sweet Pea seeds a couple of weeks ago and they are all up and growing, almost 3 inchees tall now. The leaves still haven't developed properly yet, are they meant to still look like green sticks? Do they need more light to stop getting leggy? Also, when can I plant them outside (don't have a greenhouse!)?

Sorry for all the questions!

[inearlygaveup]

Take a look at this Royal Horticultural Society - Gardening Advice: Growing Sweet Peas
But it will be May before they start to go outside - hope it helps

[inearlygaveup]

Mine are sat in a cold greenhouse about 5" tall and look just like little sweet peas

[jackie j]

Why have my sweet peas got grey mould on the top of the soil. They are indoors in unheated propergators with lids in a warmish room, I only sprayed the soil with water when I planted the seeds. They are just begining to show.

[fwuffydragon]

jackie j

Probably not enough ventillation. I'd open them up to the air now they're sprouted, and maybe scrape off the top 5mm of soil to remove the mould (and throw it away).

If you're worried they'll get too cold, then put the lid on again at night, but if they are indoors you should be fine.

[jackie j]

jackie j

Probably not enough ventillation. I'd open them up to the air now they're sprouted, and maybe scrape off the top 5mm of soil to remove the mould (and throw it away).

If you're worried they'll get too cold, then put the lid on again at night, but if they are indoors you should be fine.

Thanks took away mould opened up the vents in the lid much better keeping an eye on them though. I need more room got lots of seeds to sow, waiting to be able to use my plastic greenhouse outside. I might try and get a fleece cover for it I have seen them at garden centres would this help.

[Jenegade]

My Sweet Pea seedlings are quite tall now, 7 inches, their first leaves are just starting to open and 1st tendril is growing too. Should they be this tall already? Only planted the seeds a couple of weeks ago!

Thanks for your help!

[BarleySugar]

They do sound a bit tall, where have you got them? Are they too warm/not enough light? Mine are 3-4 inches, and I've just pinched out the tops.

[Jenegade]

They're at my bay window at the front of the flat, not enough room for them at any of the south facing windows, maybe they need more sun! Not sure I can help them! Isn't that warm in here, still have to wear a jumper!

Do you pinch the top off once there are 2 pairs of leaves? I can do that to the biggest ones soon! That'll stop them geting taller?! Can I plant them deeper when they go outside?

Thanks!

[inearlygaveup]

Pinch out the growing tips of autumn-sown seedlings when about 10cm (4in) high to encourage branching. Pinch spring-sown seedlings just above the first pair of leaves.

Planting out

Plant out overwintered plants in mid-spring, those spring-sown in late spring. Choose a sunny, open, well-drained, humus-rich site.

[Jenegade]

Thank you!

[Two_Sheds]

My Sweet Pea seedlings are quite tall now, 7 inches, their first leaves are just starting to open and 1st tendril is growing too. Should they be this tall already?

They are leggy because they don't have enough light. Wait a few weeks and sow again.
Spring sowing is good for colder areas like yours: that means March.
Autumn sowing (Nov/Dec/Jan) for more favourable conditions.
You'll still get sweet peas, just a few weeks later than us in the south.
Sweet Pea growing calendar with pictures

[Jenegade]

Thanks TS, will try sowing more in March, but not going to give up on these ones just yet! Some are a bit shorter (took longer to germinate) and I'll pinch the top out of them all soon. Maybe they'll make it!

[jackie j]

I have pinched out the tops of some of mine. Worried now lol

[Rydeboyz]

You are supposed to pinch out sweet peas when they get a few inches high, no need to worry.