Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are one of the most loved cut flowers — known for their delicate fragrance, soft romantic colors, and long stems.

But success depends heavily on timing.

Sweet peas are cool-season annuals. They thrive in cool temperatures and dislike heat, so starting them at the right time in your region is essential.

🌱 THE GOLDEN RULE

• Start seeds about 6–8 weeks before the last frost in colder climates
• Or sow in autumn (October–November) in mild climates

This is based on frost timing and climate zones

 

EUROPE SOWING GUIDE 

Northern Europe (Cold Winters)

Countries: Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway

Start seeds:

• Indoors: February – March
• Plant out: April – May

💡 Example (Latvia):
Start seeds in late February to mid-March

 

Central Europe (Moderate Climate)

Countries: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland

Start seeds:

• Indoors: January – February
• Direct sow: March (if soil workable)

💡 Early sowing = stronger plants + earlier blooms

Western Europe (Mild Oceanic Climate)

Countries: UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland

Start seeds:

• Indoors: October – January
• Direct sow: March

💡 Many growers sow in autumn for best results

 

Southern Europe (Warm Winters)

Countries: France (south), Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece

Start seeds:

• October – December (best timing)
• Avoid spring sowing (too hot too fast)

💡 Autumn sowing = earlier flowering + longer stems

Mediterranean / Very Mild Areas

Countries: Coastal Spain, Southern Italy, Cyprus

Start seeds:

• October – November only

💡 Plants grow through winter and bloom early spring

 

Country	Best Sowing Time
Latvia	Feb – Mar
Estonia	Feb – Mar
Finland	Mar
Sweden	Feb – Mar
Germany	Jan – Feb
Poland	Feb
UK	Oct – Jan
Netherlands	Oct – Jan
France (north)	Jan – Feb
France (south)	Nov – Dec
Italy	Oct – Dec
Spain	Oct – Dec

 

PRO GROWER TIPS 

• 🌱 Soak seeds 12–24h before sowing for faster germination
• 🌡 Germination temperature: 12–18°C (cool, not warm!)
• 💡 Give bright light immediately after germination
• 🌿 Pinch plants at 2–3 leaf pairs for bushier growth
• ❄️ Sweet peas tolerate light frost once established

 

WHY TIMING MATTERS

If you sow too late:

• Plants hit heat too early
• Short stems
• Fewer flowers

If you sow at the right time:

• Long stems 🌿
• Strong vines
• Continuous blooms