Scarlet Gleam

1. Seed Preparation:

   - Sweet pea seeds, including Scarlet Gleam, benefit from pre-soaking to improve germination. Soak the seeds in warm water for about 12–24 hours before planting to soften the hard seed coat and speed up germination.

2. Planting Time:

   - Sweet peas are best planted in early spring (about 4–6 weeks before the last frost) or in fall in milder climates. They need cool temperatures to thrive and bloom.

   - You can start seeds indoors or sow them directly outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.

3. Soil:

   - Sweet peas prefer well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Ideally, the soil should be slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5).

   - Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to provide nutrients for healthy growth.

4. Sowing the Seeds:

   - Indoor Starting: Start seeds in small pots or seed trays 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in seed-starting mix.

   - Direct Sowing Outdoors: Once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed, sow the seeds 1 inch deep in well-prepared soil. Space seeds about 1 inch apart in rows, and space the rows about 6-12 inches apart.

5. Germination:

   - Sweet pea seeds will typically germinate in 10–20 days. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the seedlings in a bright location.

   - Sweet peas prefer cool temperatures, so make sure the area where they are growing is not too hot.

6. Transplanting:

   - If you started seeds indoors, transplant them into the garden once the seedlings have 2–3 sets of leaves and the danger of frost has passed. Space plants about 6-12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and room for growth.

7. Support:

   - Sweet peas are climbing plants, so provide them with a trellis, fence, or other vertical support. This allows the vines to grow upright and display their flowers beautifully.

8. Light:

   - Scarlet Gleam sweet peas need full sun or partial shade. They require at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow well.

9. Watering:

   - Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water the plants at the base to prevent wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues.

10. Fertilizing:

   - Sweet peas benefit from occasional feeding. Use a balanced fertilizer once the plants start to grow vigorously. However, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

11. Deadheading:

   - Regularly remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage more blooms and extend the flowering season.

Tips for Success:

- Mulching: Mulch around your sweet peas to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.

- Protecting from Pests: Watch out for aphids, slugs, and snails, as these can damage sweet peas. Use natural remedies like neem oil or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control pests.

Uses:

- Garden Borders: Scarlet Gleam sweet peas are perfect for planting along borders or fences where they can climb and cascade over the edges.

- Cut Flowers: The vibrant red blooms make a stunning addition to floral arrangements and bouquets.

- Containers: If you're short on garden space, you can also grow sweet peas in large containers with a trellis or support structure.

Scarlet Gleam sweet peas are a beautiful, fragrant variety with a bold red color that will add drama and elegance to your garden. While they require a bit of care to get started, the reward of their fragrant, colorful blooms is well worth the effort!