Propagating sweet pea flowers in hanging baskets
Sweet pea flowers are known for their beautiful and fragrant blooms. They make a perfect addition to any garden or balcony. Propagating them in hanging baskets creates a stunning display as the colorful and scented blooms cascade down. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to grow sweet peas from seeds in hanging baskets for a beautiful and healthy display.
Choosing the right seeds
For successful propagation, choosing the right seeds is crucial. You should opt for dwarf or bush varieties of sweet peas, which are specifically bred for container gardening. These varieties exhibit a compact growth habit, making them suitable for hanging baskets. They thrive in confined spaces and rarely require staking. This makes them ideal for creating a lush, overflowing display without the additional hassle of supporting taller plants.
Preparing the basket and soil
For sweet peas, select a hanging basket that's a minimum of 12 inches in diameter to ensure the plants have sufficient space to grow. Make sure it has enough drainage holes to stop waterlogging. Fill the basket with a high-quality potting mix, supplemented with compost or well-rotted manure to supply the necessary nutrients for robust growth.
Sowing seeds correctly
Soak sweet pea seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. This helps soften their hard outer coating and promotes germination. Plant the seeds about an inch deep into the soil, ensuring a gap of at least two inches between each seed for optimal growth. Water the area gently but thoroughly after sowing. This helps the seeds settle in and start the germination process.
Providing optimal care
Sweet peas love cool temperatures and crave sunshine. Choose a location for your hanging basket that gets at least six hours of direct sun each day. Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) by watering whenever the top inch feels dry to the touch. Feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season. This will encourage strong growth and lots of blooms.
Training and support
While dwarf varieties might not need staking, a little support can be beneficial to guide their growth and ensure good air circulation around the plants. If you observe your sweet peas having a hard time holding themselves up as they grow, simply insert a few small stakes or fashion a mini trellis inside the basket.
