I would soak the seed over night or more, sow in tall containers, when they get to a few inches high, put them in a cold greenhouse to over winter. they're tough as old boots.

If it's any consolation, Pdb, I started mine off in October and they've been very disappointing! (I'll still do that this year, though - it's usually worth it.)

Mine were disappointing too this year. You can get paper tubes to plant SP in so they have long root runs.

In previous years I've taken a lot of trouble to trim side shoots tie only one shoot and more. OK they grew and flowered but this year I did nothing, haven't even fed them and they've been better than ever,they're still providing us with flowers lol

Thanks, will start them in Oct then. Can anyone recommend any favorites?

I choose packets that say 'good fragrance', and I prefer to pick which colours I'll grow, rather than a mixed packet. The 'Spencer' ones are always good.

Do you grow yours in the ground Heron and Spritz? The reason I ask is I grow mine in a wicker basket and its hard to get the water right.

Yes, Denise. I grow them up obelisks.

Thanks

I'll start to prepare the ground once I clear away the herbaceous plants in late autumn - I dig in manure and then plant the sweet peas out in late April usually.

I will rethink them as I have just taken mine down and although I watered every day the compost was dry.

I'm sure that was the trouble with mine - I should have watered them more often, but it was so difficult keeping the whole garden alive!