Sweet pea germination

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by mazambo, Mar 17, 2020.

  1. mazambo

    mazambo Forever Learning

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    Hi everyone, just a quick question on sweet pea germination, I sowed 4 varieties of sweet pea (8 seeds of each all in the same propagator) on 3/3/20, 3 of the varieties have given me 8, 8, and 7 seedlings growing well, the fourth "Matucana" hasn't germinated at all, I'm just wondering if this needs longer to germinate or am I looking at some bad seed?
     
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    • Nikolaos

      Nikolaos Total Gardener

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      I grew that one a few years ago outdoors Mazambo, I seem to remember it taking quite a while to germinate, a bit later than the 'Elegant Ladies' mix I also grew that year. If you look at the first link (in the growing advice section) they can take up to 3 weeks. Worth the wait though, lovely rich, musky fragrance! :) The flowers are quite small but abundant, the trick is to keep deadheading them regularly.

      Lathyrus odoratus, Old-Fashioned Sweet Peas, 'Matucana' Seeds £1.95 from Chiltern Seeds - Chiltern Seeds Secure Online Seed Catalogue and Shop

      Sweet Pea 'Elegant Ladies' seeds | Thompson & Morgan

      Nick
       
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      • mazambo

        mazambo Forever Learning

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        Thanks @Nikolaos, I'll definitely leave them a few more weeks, the biggest problem is always the conflicting views you see on how to grow them:noidea:.
         
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        • ricky101

          ricky101 Total Gardener

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          Hi,

          Just had one batch out of six go the same way, so you always wonder if its you or the seed.

          One did actually appear this month , after being sown in early January !

          If you have any of that types seed left, find the best way to start problematic ones off, is to line a small plastic jar or tub with two layers of kitchen paper towel and soak it in cooled boiled water them pop the seed onto that and seal the lid and place in somewhere like an airing cupboard.
          They normally shoot in about a week , then place into normal compost / pots in a propogator to get growing.

          Some folk also prefer to soak the seed fully in water fro 24 hours, or sandpaper a little bit of the seeds hard shell to make it easier to germinate.
           
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          • CanadianLori

            CanadianLori Total Gardener

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            @ricky101 thank you! I have just now done that since reading your helpful post. :)
             
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            • mazambo

              mazambo Forever Learning

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              I know this is not good practice but I've just had a little dig, there is signs of live under there. 20200319_180736.jpg
               
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              • shiney

                shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                Just to upset you :whistle: photo taken a couple of days ago :)

                P1470611.JPG
                 
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                • HarryS

                  HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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                  @mazambo I grew Matacuma a few years ago can't recall any germination problems.:scratch:
                  For the last 3 years I have only grown SP "Our Harry", which performs really well and is gorgeous, as most Harry's are :biggrin:

                  SP Our Harry ( Google photo)
                  OUR_HARRY.jpg
                   
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                  • mazambo

                    mazambo Forever Learning

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                    Thanks @shiney I'll print it off and show them what they should be doing :heehee:, @HarryS grew them all the same way and all at the same time, this is the rest at the disco:heehee: 20200319_191050.jpg
                     
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                    • shiney

                      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                      Those colour lights would do my head in! :rolleyespink:

                      I'll see whether the flower has opened more today - or whether it has decided it doesn't like this time of year.
                       
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