Sweet Peas are not difficult to grow from seed, they are simply specific in what they like and quite adamant about what they don’t like. I have written some rather detailed information here as there is plenty of misinformation about sweet peas out there. Most of the information is geared toward English growers. Few places in the US mimic English conditions so you need to understand the needs of the plants in order to figure out how to give them what they want in your individual climate.

If you are new to seed sowing, or perhaps have grown tomatoes a time or two, you may have some preconceived notions about what it takes to start a seed. The hardest detail for new growers to grasp is that some plants simply prefer it cold, while others prefer it warm. Tomatoes love it warm, and should be started on heat mats and kept cozy, while sweet peas like it cold, and will be a disaster if started on heat mats in a warm living room. You may think keeping them warm is kind, but you are setting them up for failure. Keep these temperature ranges in mind.