What To Know
- Make a hole in the center of the potting mix and carefully place the seedling inside.
- Sweet pea seedlings require plenty of sunlight, so place them in a bright windowsill or under grow lights.
- Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and plant the seedling at the same depth as it was in the pot.
Sweet peas, with their captivating fragrance and delicate blooms, are a beloved addition to any garden. To ensure their success, repotting seedlings is a crucial step. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you nurture your sweet pea seedlings into thriving plants:
1. Choosing the Right Time
Sweet pea seedlings should be repotted once they have developed their first set of true leaves, which are the larger, serrated leaves that emerge after the initial cotyledons. The ideal time for repotting is when the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall.
2. Selecting a Suitable Container
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the seedling’s current container, allowing for ample room for root growth. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Terracotta or plastic pots are both suitable options.
3. Preparing the Potting Mix
Sweet peas thrive in a well-draining potting mix. A combination of seed starting mix, compost, and perlite or vermiculite ensures optimal drainage and aeration. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be heavy and retain too much moisture.
4. Repotting Procedure
1. Gently remove the seedling from its current container by inverting it and tapping the bottom.
2. Loosen any circling roots to promote healthy growth.
3. Fill the new pot with potting mix, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
4. Make a hole in the center of the potting mix and carefully place the seedling inside.
5. Fill in the remaining space with potting mix, gently firming it around the seedling.
6. Water the seedling thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
5. Light and Temperature Requirements
Sweet pea seedlings require plenty of sunlight, so place them in a bright windowsill or under grow lights. The ideal temperature for germination and growth is between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
6. Watering and Fertilizing
Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the potting mix moist but not soggy. Fertilize the seedlings every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
7. Support and Trellising
As sweet peas grow, they will need support to climb. Provide them with a trellis or stakes to encourage vertical growth.
8. Hardening Off
Before planting the sweet pea seedlings outdoors, they need to be hardened off gradually. This process involves exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods of time to accustom them to the environment.
9. Planting Outdoors
When the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed, the sweet pea seedlings can be planted outdoors. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and plant the seedling at the same depth as it was in the pot.
10. Ongoing Care
Continue watering and fertilizing the sweet pea plants regularly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: When should I repot sweet pea seedlings?
A: Repot seedlings once they have developed their first set of true leaves and are about 2-3 inches tall.
Q: What type of potting mix should I use?
A: A well-draining potting mix that combines seed starting mix, compost, and perlite or vermiculite.
Q: How often should I water sweet pea seedlings?
A: Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the potting mix moist but not soggy.
Q: Do sweet pea seedlings need support?
A: Yes, provide them with a trellis or stakes to encourage vertical growth.
Q: Can I plant sweet pea seedlings outdoors in the fall?
A: No, sweet pea seedlings should be planted outdoors only after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
