Comments on: Planning and Planting the Perfect Sweet Pea Crop

By: Anthony Cuthbert

Anthony Cuthbert — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 02:38:14 +0000

An interesting blog. I am glad that I am not the only sweet pea enthusiast blogging.

By: Matt Mattus

Matt Mattus — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:16:27 +0000

You are correct, Johnny's Selected seeds carries a mixed blend of older Spencer varieties which is very fine. In fact, if you read any of my vegetable posts, 90% of my seed comes from Johnny's. I try to order most of my seed from Johnny's for many reasons, but especially because they grow their own seeds here in New England, and they are very responsible growers for food crops, as well as with their breeding programs.
This year I wanted separate colors of Spencer Sweet peas, and for this trial, I also needed newer crosses which are not available in the US. I have orders Spencer strains named from four US sources, and one British source. ( I prefer to always buy my seed from the breeder if possible). As for supporting US farmers, That's fine – but I also believe that plants know no borders, and so, I seed authenticity and quality first, and sometimes this means that I must order some seed from other countries. Thanks for your note and for sharing Johnny's as another source.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:03:43 +0000

You can get these from Johnnys seed for half the price
Why not support an american farmer

By: Susan in the Pink hat

Susan in the Pink hat — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:42:02 +0000

Thanks so much for this tutorial. I remember being sorely tempted to try them last time you posted about the long-stemmed florist stock for sweet peas. Thanks.

By: hopflower

hopflower — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:07:18 +0000

LOL! You don't really "have to have" rootrainers, but they do work well. I don't always use them and have been growing sweet peas for years. The trick is getting them off to a long, slow start to develop strong root systems. Nice post, Matt. Glad you are getting the sweet pea virus-it is the best one around I think. I'm addicted. Mr Rowland has some of the finest seeds around; although there are many sweet pea seedsmen, you cannot do better than his!

By: Kaveh Maguire

Kaveh Maguire — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:54:15 +0000

There was a man in one of the community gardens in Santa Monica that did a ton of sweet peas. I used to press my nose up against the chain linked fence trying to catch a whiff of their fragrance.

I have some started and may start some more but here in CA fall is the best time to plant them and of course I wasn't living here in the fall.

They are definitely up there with my other favorite plants. I love the little packets your source sends them in.