Sweet Pea - Kew Pollination Seed CollectionLathyrus latifoliusEverlasting Sweet Pea, Perennial Sweet Pea

Sow sweet pea seeds indoors in October for transplanting outdoors in spring, or direct sow outdoors from March to April.

For autumn sowings autumn, sow 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3") pot at a depth of 1cm (½") in free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 18-20C (65-70F) until germination which takes 7-21 days. Once germinated, grow sweet peas on in cooler conditions, before transferring to a cold frame for overwintering. Spring sowings can be made outdoors directly into drills at a depth of 2.5cm (1"), and a distance of 7.5cm (3") apart. Pinch out the growing points of each stem once the second pair of leaves has opened to encourage bushier growth.

In spring, plant out sweet peas at a distance of 23cm (9") apart in any well drained garden soil in full sun.

Feed and water Lathyrus plants regularly throughout the growing season. Deadhead faded blooms to prevent seedpods developing. This will encourage more blooms to be produced and extend the flowering period throughout summer. Cut back old stems to ground level when they begin yellow in autumn.

Caution: Seeds are harmful if eaten.

Caution: harmful if eaten

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.