
I have been rather casual about planting sweet peas. I plant the seeds directly into the garden a week or so after the last frost. It is a bit of a hit and miss affair. Some seeds don’t germinate and others suffer an early death as insects and birds enjoy their oh so tender leaves. I thought of my Grandfather and how he would start has plants indoors. He didn’t have a lot of space and spring in Northern Saskatchewan is one of bitter cold and frequently snow. Growing plants indoors was a challenge.
I bought the Cuthbertson sweet peas. They promised me heavenly fragrance and flowers the colours of dreams. I nicked the hard coating of the seeds. All 68 of them. I mixed the potting soil. I planted the seeds and calmly, quietly and patiently I waited for them to sprout. The first sight of a tiny green shoot was pure joy. I was following my grandfather’s footsteps.

In a few weeks these plants, tenderly cared for, will be ready to set out in the garden. They will climb towards the sky filling the air with their fragrance. I will continue to care for them. Rising early in the morning to water, weed, and dead head flowers. Then to cut glorious bouquets to fill my home with their beauty.

This is the zen of garden. It is not always perfect but these past two years have required one to remain calm and take the happiness each day as it is given.
You’ve inspired me, Virginia. My mom loved and grew sweet peas but in this northern climate they need to be started indoors and I’ve never tried that with them. That will change next year! Thanks for the clear instructions. Hope you soon have armfuls of these lovelies!
Gayle, this has been an enjoyable learning experience. I had already planted my seeds in the small biodegradable pots when I saw how to grow them in toilet paper rolls on U tube. MUCH better because sweet peas have deep roots. I planted a few more and it REALLY works and the price is right. I am already saving TP rolls for next spring. Cheers Virginia
Loved your article., as I love sweet peas. Here at the West Coast in Southern California, there are times they grow like weed, but due to not having rain this year they were hardly been seen. Enjoy the growth of your treasures.
Dear Cornelia, The little darlings are a tangle of green desperately wanting to grow free. We continue to have an unusual cold spring with a touch of frost every morning. I promise them soon soon. My cutting garden is close to a hay field and the cow barn. It will be the perfect home for sweet peas. Cheers Virginia