Sweet peas are absolute showstoppers, aren’t they? They pump out tons of lush green leaves and those gorgeous, colorful blooms we all love. But here’s the thing: all that growth needs a lot of fuel to stay perky. On those scorching summer days, your sweet peas can go from vibrant to wilted pretty fast if they aren’t getting enough hydration. When the rain clouds disappear, it’s time to grab your watering can and get to work.
Sweet Peas Are Thirsty Little Climbers
The bigger and bolder a plant grows, the more attention it demands in the garden. Sweet peas definitely fall into that category! While we love their lush look, all those leaves create a massive surface area where moisture can evaporate. To keep up with that water loss, the roots are constantly searching for a refill to satisfy the massive thirst of this climbing plant.
The Gardener’s Daily Summer Routine
If you want a spectacular show, you’ve got to plant or sow your sweet peas in a sunny spot. They need that light to bloom their hearts out. Of course, the sun also bakes the soil dry, so you’ll need to step in and manage the “water works” every year. Shoving them in the shade isn’t a shortcut—it just means you won’t get any flowers during blooming season. For us flower lovers, that’s just not an option! Instead, keep these tips in mind:
- Never let the soil dry out completely.
- Water as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry.
- Use the “thumb test” to check moisture levels below the surface.
- In the summer, you’ll likely need to water daily.
- On those brutal triple-digit days, you might even need to water twice.
- Early morning and evening are the best times to hydrate.
Pro Tip:
Try not to skip a watering session! Just like a shady spot, drought stress will cause the plant to stop producing those beautiful buds.
The Right Way to Water Your Sweet Peas
I get it—dragging a hose around is way easier than lugging heavy watering cans, especially when you have a whole garden to tend to. But sweet peas are a bit picky about *how* they get their drink. They love wet roots, but they hate getting their leaves and flowers soaked. Whether you use a watering can or a hose (keep the pressure low!), aim directly at the base of the plant. To keep them extra happy, mix in some liquid fertilizer once a week.
Mulch: Your Secret Weapon
To keep the moisture in the ground instead of letting it evaporate into thin air, give your plants a nice mulch “blanket.” A thick layer (a few inches deep) of bark mulch, dried leaves, or grass clippings works wonders. It’ll save you a few trips with the watering can and keep those roots nice and cool.