Few flowers capture the charm of an Irish summer quite like sweet peas. With their delicate petals, vibrant colours, and wonderfully fragrant blooms, they are a favourite in gardens across Dublin. Whether you’re growing them in borders, raised beds, or large containers, sweet peas can provide months of colour and scent when cared for correctly.

The secret to long-lasting sweet pea displays begins with planting. Young sweet pea plants should be planted out once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil has started to warm. Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of garden compost or organic matter. Sweet peas are climbing plants, so install supports such as canes, netting, or trellises before planting. Space young plants around 15-20cm apart, allowing good airflow while giving them room to grow. Water thoroughly after planting and continue to keep the soil consistently moist during dry periods.

To encourage strong growth and an abundance of flowers, feed your sweet peas every couple of weeks with a high-potash fertiliser once buds begin to form. Regular watering is particularly important during warm weather, as dry soil can reduce flowering. Mulching around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and keep roots cool throughout the summer months.

Perhaps the most important tip for continuous blooms is to pick flowers regularly. Sweet peas are remarkably productive when harvested often, and frequent cutting encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than setting seed. Remove any faded blooms before they develop seed pods, as seed production signals the plant to slow down flowering. By deadheading and picking blooms every few days, you can enjoy a steady supply of fragrant flowers for vases indoors and beautiful colour in the garden well into late summer.

With a little attention and regular care, sweet peas will reward you with one of the longest and most spectacular flowering displays in the garden. Visit Jesson Garden Centre for healthy young sweet pea plants, growing advice, and everything you need to create a stunning summer display.