Growing Sweet Pea Flowers in Southern California
A Blooming Tradition at Roger’s Gardens
Sweet peas are among the most romantic, nostalgic, and fragrant flowers you can grow. In Southern California, where the climate allows for extended blooming seasons and early planting, these charming blossoms thrive with the right care—and no one knows sweet peas better than Roger’s Gardens.
The Sweet Pea Legacy at Roger’s Gardens
Over the past several years, our sweet pea expert Steve Hampson has personally trialed nearly 100 different sweet pea varieties right here in Orange County. Through hands-on cultivation, observation, and evaluation, Steve has curated a refined collection of sweet peas that are now considered the best performers in our region—selected for their color, fragrance, vigor, and bloom power.
Our customers return year after year for these premium sweet peas, knowing they’re not only beautiful but also well-adapted to Southern California gardens.
Why Grow Sweet Peas?
• Fragrance: Few flowers rival the sweet, nostalgic scent of sweet peas.
• Color Variety: From soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones, they offer a painter’s palette of blooms.
• Cut Flower Delight: Sweet peas make excellent bouquets—delicate, long-lasting, and powerfully scented.
• Climbing Habit: Great for trellises, fences, and arbors, they bring vertical beauty to your garden.
When & How to Grow Sweet Peas in Southern California
Planting Time
The ideal time to sow sweet pea seedsin SoCal is October through January. This early start allows roots to establish during the cooler months, leading to stronger spring bloomers.
Soil & Site
• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours) is essential.
• Soil: Well-draining, enriched with compost.
• Support: Use trellises or netting early—sweet peas love to climb!
Seed Prep Tip
To improve germination, soak seeds overnight or gently nick the outer coating with a nail file before planting.
Care & Maintenance
• Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Deep watering encourages robust root systems.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks once seedlings are established.
• Deadheading: Pick flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent seed formation.
Top Varieties at Roger’s Gardens
Thanks to Steve Hampson’s trials, you’ll find an expertly selected range of sweet peas at Roger’s Gardens, including:
• ‘Charlie’s Angel’ – Pale blue with a strong scent
• ‘John Gray’ – Pale pink on white ground. Medium to strong scent
• ‘Karen Louise’ – Ruffled, lavender flowers with good fragrance
• ‘Naomi Nazareth’ – Exquisite icy blue, strong stems and wonderful fragrance
• ‘White Frills’ – Pure white, ruffled flowers on long stems with good fragrance
Final Thoughts
Growing sweet peas in Southern California is more than possible—it’s a joyful, rewarding gardening tradition. With expert selections from Roger’s Gardens and advice from Steve Hampson, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy bountiful blooms and heavenly fragrance from early spring into summer.
Visit Roger’s Gardens to shop our curated collection of sweet pea seeds and get expert tips for your most beautiful season yet.
