BBC Gardeners' World star Adam Frost has warned that sweet peas, a popular annual climber, struggle in hot weather and do not 'necessarily recover that well' after heat stress. Speaking on BBC Radio 2's weekend show with Dermot O'Leary on July 4, 2026, Frost explained why the fragrant flowers can become 'spindly' during summer heatwaves.
Why Sweet Peas Become Spindly
Frost attributed the problem to erratic weather patterns. 'Probably the weather, early sort of feeding early on. I mean, sweet peas are normally better off started around Christmas time, maybe in glass, under sort of dark paper,' he said. He added that the earlier they are started, the better they cope. 'The problem is, we were sort of cold and wet, then we were really hot.'
He noted that sweet peas are particularly sensitive to inconsistent watering. 'They are the sort of plants that a couple of days not quite getting enough water, they go, "I'm not sure about this". And I'm not... they don't necessarily recover that well,' Frost stated.
Expert Sowing Advice
The Gardeners' World website advises sowing sweet peas from October to April, recommending individual planting in 'narrow, deep pots'. It also suggests picking blooms frequently to encourage more flowers and removing spent blooms and seed heads promptly, as 'flowering declines if plants set seed'.
Sweet peas are a garden favourite known for their fragrant blooms in colours including white, red, pink, coral, blue and violet. Frost's comments come as many UK gardeners face challenges from increasingly hot summers.
Frost on Leaving Gardens Behind
In a separate video for Gardeners' World Magazine, Frost reflected on leaving a beloved garden when moving homes. After moving with his family in 2025, he said he 'wouldn't worry about it'. He took only a few divided plants and pots, and later visited the new owners who were 'absolutely loving it'.
