Sweet peas dying prematurely

gatehill

We planted our sweet pea seeds last October, over-wintered them in the greenhouse and planted them out in the garden Mar/ April; all this as usual.

They grew well and started flowering, we picked the first flowers mid June. In early July they started dying from the bottom and we pulled them up this week.

They normally flower for 6-8 weeks but this year it 2-3 weeks. Can anyone suggest why? 

Last edited: 23 July 2016 17:18:16

Fairygirl

I'd be inclined to say lack of water and/or nutrients. They need plenty of food, especially if they've been in the ground a long time. Are they in the ground or pots?

In pots it's easier to keep an eye on them for their needs, especially if the ground's unsuitable. 

Yviestevie

I've pulled mine up too Gatehill,  they were well watered and fed, they just didn't last, I've no idea why.  I grow them in large half barrels.  They had fresh compost fortified with Incredibloom.

NutcrackerSouthSomerset

Ditto. This year's "High Scent" have been disappointing, despite being fed and watered as in previous years. Winter sown, planted out late April/earlyMay.  I'm pulling  them out tomorrow. The only ones that are still going strong are "Matucana".

Fairygirl

Weather this year is also a big factor in many areas. High temps and lots of sun are bad news for sweet peas.