Monty Don, the beloved BBC Gardeners' World presenter, has shared a critical gardening tip for July that promises to extend the flowering season of sweet peas, ensuring vibrant blooms throughout the summer. The advice, posted on his personal gardening blog, emphasizes the importance of regularly picking sweet pea flowers to prevent seed pod formation, which depletes plant energy and reduces flower production.
Why Picking Sweet Peas Works
According to Don, sweet pea flowers rapidly form seed pods in warm weather. These pods sap the plant's energy and trigger further seed production, diverting resources away from sustaining blooms. He explains, "Be sure to regularly pick all the flowers from your sweet pea plants as this is the best way to extend their flowering season." Don recommends picking every flower every 10 days, using scissors to cut stems as long as possible, and acting quickly at the first sign of seed heads.
Expert Endorsement and RHS Guidance
Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall, supports Don's advice: "Keep harvesting the flowers for your indoor vases and snip off any spent heads before they go to seed to keep the blooms coming." The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) also recommends regular picking or deadheading to ensure a continuous supply of flowers, along with weekly or fortnightly liquid fertilizer feeds. However, sweet peas struggle in very wet, heavy soil, excessively dry conditions, or shade, where they are prone to powdery mildew and poor flowering.
Impact on Bloom Duration
By removing seed heads immediately, Don notes that sweet pea plants can continue flowering well into September, even during cooler summers. This simple task not only extends the blooming period but also provides fragrant bunches for indoor enjoyment.
