Unwins Sweet Pea Mary Lou Heard Seeds

Place the seeds on moist kitchen roll in an airtight container and leave in a warm room, then sow as soon as they begin to swell or sprout. Alternatively, soak overnight, but sow immediately afterwards.

Sow singly in rootrainers or 8cm pots, 1cm deep. Water after sowing, but not again until seedlings have emerged and keep around 15°C until germinated.

Pinch out tips once seedlings are 7-10cm tall, to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Keep in a cool but bright position. Keep autumn-sown seedlings in a cold frame or greenhouse, or under a cloche. Plant out 20cm apart from late March onwards, when the weather is getting milder, in a sunny position. Avoid disturbing the roots.

Sow seeds in pre-watered, compost-enriched soil 2cm deep, around 7cm apart, once the soil is starting to warm in spring. Keep soil moist until seedlings emerge and thin to about 20cm apart once they are more developed.

Support with canes, netting or trellis to about 1.8m. Tie stems into the support every week or so as the plants grow. Also ideal for large pots. Feed and water regularly, and pick flowers often to ensure continuous supply.