Unwins Sweet Pea Ballerina Blue Seeds - AGM

Unwins Sweet Pea Ballerina Blue Seeds are a large-flowered spencer type with mid-blue flowers, sui...

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This guide is for gardeners looking to cultivate beautiful, fragrant, mid-blue flowers for cutting, borders, or showing. The Unwins Sweet Pea Ballerina Blue Seeds offer an easy-to-grow, large-flowered Spencer variety with a classic scent, perfect for adding charm to any garden. A key benefit is their suitability for both display and exhibiting, though success may depend on consistent support and feeding.

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Model Part Number30211231
BrandUnwins

Extended Product Information

FAQs

When is the best time to sow Unwins Sweet Pea Ballerina Blue Seeds?

You can sow indoors from January to April or outdoors from September to October and again in spring once the soil is starting to warm. Indoor sowing offers earlier blooms.

How deep should I sow the seeds?

Sow seeds 1cm deep for indoor sowing and 2cm deep for outdoor sowing.

What kind of support do these sweet peas need?

They require support up to about 1.8m, such as canes, netting, or a trellis, which should be installed early.

Can I grow these in pots?

Yes, these sweet peas are ideal for growing in large pots.

How far apart should I plant them?

Plant seedlings out about 20cm apart, and sow outdoor seeds around 7cm apart initially before thinning to the final spacing.

Why should I pinch out the tips?

Pinching out the tips of seedlings when they are 7-10cm tall encourages the plant to become bushier and produce more stems, leading to more flowers.

How often should I feed and water?

Feed and water regularly, especially during the growing season and flowering period, to ensure a continuous supply of blooms.

Troubleshooting

Seeds not germinating

Ensure seeds were pre-soaked or pre-sprouted correctly. Check temperature (around 5°C for indoor sowing) and soil moisture. Try a fresh batch of seeds if necessary.

Seedlings are leggy or weak

Ensure seedlings are receiving adequate light. If grown indoors, move to a brighter, cooler location. Pinch out the tips once they reach 7-10cm to encourage bushier growth.

Lack of flowers

Ensure plants are receiving enough sunlight, water, and regular feeding. Pinching out seedlings can promote more flowers. Support systems should be adequate.

Pest infestation (e.g., aphids)

Inspect plants regularly. Blast aphids off with water or use an insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects.

Plants wilting

Check soil moisture; wilting can indicate underwatering. Ensure good drainage, as waterlogged soil can also cause issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Produces beautiful, fragrant mid-blue flowers.
  • Ideal for cutting with long, strong stems.
  • Suitable for both garden display and showing.
  • Easy to grow for both novice and experienced gardeners.
  • Attracts pollinators to the garden.

Cons

  • Requires support such as canes or netting for optimal growth.
  • Sensitive to root disturbance when transplanting.
  • Needs regular feeding and watering for continuous flowering.
  • Autumn-sown seedlings require protection in cold weather.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup (Sowing Indoors):

  1. Pre-sow: Place seeds on moist kitchen roll in an airtight container in a warm room until they swell or sprout. Alternatively, soak seeds overnight and sow immediately.
  2. Sow singly in rootrainers or 8cm pots, 1cm deep.
  3. Water gently after sowing; avoid watering again until seedlings emerge.
  4. Keep containers around 5°C until germination.

Setup (Sowing Outdoors):

  1. Prepare soil: Enrich with compost and water well.
  2. Sow seeds 2cm deep, about 7cm apart, once the soil is warm.

Planting Out:

  1. Harden off indoor-sown seedlings gradually.
  2. Plant out from late March onwards, 20cm apart, in a sunny position.
  3. Avoid disturbing the roots during transplanting.

Compatibility:

  • Suitable for borders, containers, and climbing structures.
  • Thrives in a sunny position.

Care:

  • Support: Install canes, netting, or a trellis (approx. 1.8m high) before planting or as plants grow.
  • Tying In: Gently tie stems to the support weekly as the plants develop.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
  • Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer regularly, particularly once flowering begins.
  • Deadheading/Cutting: Pick flowers frequently to encourage more blooms and prevent seeding.
  • Autumn Sown: Keep seedlings in a cold frame, greenhouse, or under a cloche until planting out.