The gorgeous blooms and sweet scent of sweet peas can add charm and fragrance to any space. While traditionally grown on trellises did you know you can also cultivate these delightful vines in hanging baskets? With the right care and variety selection growing sweet peas in hanging baskets can be a fun and fulfilling garden project.
Benefits of Growing Sweet Peas in Hanging Baskets
-
Ideal for small spaces like balconies, patios, and porches
-
Cascading vines and flowers create a beautiful display
-
Position near walkways or doors to enjoy the fragrance
-
Easier to provide sturdy support for the vines
-
Avoid issues with sweet peas competing with other plants in garden beds
-
Prevent invasive varieties from taking over the garden
-
Customize with your choice of basket, mix of colors and varieties
Tips for Success with Hanging Basket Sweet Peas
Follow these tips to grow thriving, prolific sweet peas in hanging baskets:
Use a High Quality Potting Mix
Sweet peas require loose, fertile soil to grow their deep roots. Choose a commercial quality potting mix with nutrients to support growth and blooms. Mix in extra perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Choose Compact, Non-Vining Varieties
Look for dwarf, bushy, or patio type sweet peas that won’t outgrow a hanging basket as quickly as vining varieties. Some good options include ‘Bijou’, ‘Cupid’, ‘Knee-Hi’, and ‘Little Sweetheart.’
Provide Support for Vines
Insert a trellis into the basket or position baskets near fences, railings, or walls that vines can cling to. You can also install vertical strings inside the basket attached to the hanger.
Water When Dry
Check daily and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot.
Fertilize Regularly
Feed plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to fuel blooms.
Prune for Shape and Size
Pinch back leggy vines and remove spent blooms to encourage bushy, compact growth that fits the basket.
Grow in Cool Conditions
Sweet peas love cooler weather. Position baskets in partial shade in warm climates to help extend the growing season.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Sweet Peas in a Hanging Basket
Follow these simple steps for gorgeous hanging basket sweet peas:
1. Select a Sturdy Hanging Basket
Choose a hanging basket at least 10-12 inches wide and 8-10 inches deep to allow ample room for root growth. Make sure the basket has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
2. Fill Basket with Quality Potting Mix
Fill the basket about three-quarters full with a commercial potting mix blended with compost or manure. Mix in perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
3. Sow Seeds Directly in Basket
Plant 2-3 sweet pea seeds an inch deep and 2 inches apart throughout the basket surface. Gently cover seeds with potting mix.
4. Install Support System
Insert a small trellis or tepee into the basket center. Or attach vertical strings along the inside that vines can climb.
5. Water Sparingly Until Germination
Water gently to moisten the potting mix without washing out seeds. Place in a sunny location, watering just enough to keep soil slightly damp as seeds sprout.
6. Thin and Transplant Seedlings
Once seedlings emerge, snip off all but the strongest plant in each spot. Transplant thinned plants to fill any gaps.
7. Grow on in Cool Conditions
Move basket to a shady location protected from hot afternoon sun. Maintain moist soil and feed with fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
8. Prune to Promote Bushy Growth
Pinch back lanky shoots and remove spent blooms. Guide vines along support strings as they lengthen.
9. Harvest Sweet Pea Blooms
Enjoy picking sweet pea flowers for bouquets. Deadhead promptly after cutting blooms.
With the right care, your hanging basket sweet peas will reward you with months of fabulous flowers and sweet summertime fragrance. Try mixing Colors and varieties for endless decorating possibilities indoors and out.
Common Questions about Growing Sweet Peas in Hanging Baskets
What are the best sweet pea varieties for hanging baskets?
Look for compact, bushy varieties under 1 foot high like ‘Cupid Mix’, ‘Bijou’, or ‘Knee-Hi’. Most tall climbing varieties will outgrow a hanging basket quickly.
How many sweet pea plants should I put in a hanging basket?
Aim for around 8-12 plants in a 10-12 inch wide basket. Space seeds 2 inches apart in a grid pattern allowing each plant to fill in a section of the basket.
Is potting soil okay to use for hanging basket sweet peas?
Yes, a high quality potting mix blended with extra perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage works perfectly. Avoid regular garden soil which may be too heavy.
How often should you water hanging basket sweet peas?
Check soil daily, watering when the top inch becomes dry to the touch. Avoid soaking the vines and flowers which can encourage diseases.
Should I fertilize sweet peas growing in a hanging basket?
Yes, feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks. This fuels the prolific blooms.
How much sun do hanging basket sweet peas need?
Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Provide partial shade in hot climates to extend the growing season.
With the right growing conditions and care, planting sweet peas in a hanging basket can yield stunning results. The gorgeous vines and fragrant blooms will transform any space into a floral wonderland.