Why Are My Sweet Peas Not Flowering – Causes and How to Fix

Sweet peas may not be flowering due to inadequate sunlight, improper watering, too much fertilizer, Pot or container size, or more.

Give them at least six hours of direct sunlight, maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, and avoid over-fertilizing your plant.

Apart from this, if you have waited for at least 8 to 9 weeks from planting to flowering for pea plants and still there is no flowering, then consider the below cause for this delay. 

Other reasons that cause sweet peas not to flower are –

• poor soil
• extreme temperatures and
• Improper soil pH.

Sweet peas plants are originally from the Mediterranean region and are easy to care plant. They thrive well when exposed to full sunlight and need moist, well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. These lovely plants produce sets of blossoms in various shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. 

Why Sweet Peas Not Flowering? – Know the Reason

There can be several reasons why your sweet peas are not flowering. Let’s see in detail some common causes of why this is happening – 

1. Extreme temperatures

Extreme temperatures can play a main role in your sweet peas that are not flowering as expected. These delicate plants prefer moderate weather conditions, and when faced with excessive heat or cold, it can hinder their ability to produce flowers.

Extreme temperatures can disrupt their natural growth cycle and divert their energy away from flowering. 

Moreover, too hot or freezing cold can seriously impact the flowering process of your pea plants. Sweet Pea plants germinate best when the soil temperature ranges from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

When peas are planted too late apart from their ideal growing season, they are likely to encounter high temperatures that can hinder their growth. This can lower germination rates, making it harder for the plants to establish themselves.

Also Read: Growing Sweet Peas in Hanging Baskets

2. Poor soil

Soil quality can impact your sweet pea plants not flowering. When soil lacks vital nutrients and necessary qualities can hinder the plant’s ability to bloom. 

Poor soil can make it challenging to access the nutrients your plants need to grow and for their flower production too. Sweet pea plants prefer well-drained, alkaline soil with compost or well-rotted manure.

Another thing to consider is proper drainage. When soil lacks proper drainage, it becomes waterlogged. This prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients they need to thrive.

Compacted soil can also hinder sweet pea plant flowering. It can also limit the plant’s access to air and water. 

3. Too much fertilizer

Using too much fertilizer can affect the flowering of your sweet pea plants. While fertilizer is beneficial for plant growth but overdoing it can trouble you.

Excessive use of fertilizer can interrupt the balance of nutrients that your sweet pea plant need. Instead of focusing on producing flowers, the plant may divert its energy toward excessive foliage growth. Also, it can harm the delicate roots of the plant.

Over-fertilizing sweet peas plant can also result in nutrient imbalances making it difficult for them to absorb the right amount of nutrients. 

4. Improper soil pH

The pH level of the soil can greatly impact the flowering of your pea plants. Sweet pea plants have a preference for slightly alkaline soil. When the soil pH is not within the ideal range, it can affect the plants and hinder their ability to flower.

The sweet pea plant has a specific requirement when it comes to soil pH. It prefers alkaline soil, which means the pH level should ideally range between 7 and 8.

You can use soil amendments to bring the pH level back into the desired range, creating an environment that supports healthy growth and abundant flowering.

5. Improper watering 

Sweet pea plants require a consistent supply of moisture, but not too much or too little. Giving them too little water can leave them thirsty and stressed, resulting in stunted growth and reduced flower production.

Whereas overwatering can lead to waterlogged soil, suffocating the roots and causing root rot.

Monitor the moisture levels in the soil. Check the soil regularly by feeling it with your fingers, if feels dry, it’s time to water now. However, be cautious not to let the soil become overly saturated. It’s best to maintain a balance where the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.

6. Lack of sunlight

A lack of sunlight can impact the flowering of your sweet pea plants. These plants thrive when they receive a good amount of sunlight. Sunlight acts as a source of energy for them.

When sweet peas don’t receive enough sunlight, their growth can be stunted, and they may struggle to produce flowers. 

A planting location that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal for this plant. This ensures that the plants get the necessary light to fuel their growth and promote abundant flowering.

7. Pot or the container size

The size of the pot or container you choose for your sweet pea plants can also impact their flowering. Sweet pea plants need a container that offers plenty of space for their root system to develop properly.

If the pot is too small, the roots become overcrowded and restricted, which can hinder overall plant growth and flowering.

A slightly larger pot provides better nutrient absorption and allows the roots to spread, leading to healthier plants and more abundant flowering.

Also Read: How to Grow Everlasting Sweet Peas?

How to Make Sweet Peas Blooming?

To encourage blooming in your sweet pea plants, there are several steps you can take. 

Choose the right location – Select a sunny spot for your sweet peas, as they thrive in full sunlight. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for abundant flowering.

Prepare the soil – Prior to planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and loosening it. Mix in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Plant at the right time – Sweet peas prefer cooler temperatures, so plant the seeds in early spring or late fall. Soak the seeds in water overnight to help with germination, then plant them about an inch deep in the soil.

Water appropriately – Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can hinder flower production. Water your sweet peas plant only when it requires.

Apply balanced fertilizer – Consider using a fertilizer that is richer in phosphorus or potassium rather than nitrogen. Nitrogen tends to stimulate leaf and stem growth, while phosphorus and potassium play a crucial role in flower development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth rather than flowers.

Check pests and diseases – Keep an eye on common pests like aphids or powdery mildew. Take proper actions to control and prevent any infestations or diseases that may hinder flower production.

Check this out: Why My Sweet Pea Leaves Turning Yellow?

Sweet Pea Flowers Falling Off

When sweet pea flowers start falling off, it can be disappointing. However, understanding the causes behind this issue and taking proper steps can help you address the problem. 

1. Water stress – Inadequate or inconsistent watering can lead to flower drops. Sweet peas prefer moist soil, so ensure they receive regular and sufficient watering. Monitor the soil moisture level, water deeply and check with your hand, if feels slightly dry then it’s time to water.

2. Nutrient imbalance – Imbalances in soil nutrients can impact flower production. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as it may encourage lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer, focusing on phosphorus and potassium, to provide essential nutrients for healthy blooming.

3. High temperatures – Sweet peas thrive in cooler temperatures, and excessive heat can cause flowers to drop prematurely. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day, or consider planting sweet peas in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.

4. Pests and diseases – Infestations of pests like aphids or diseases such as powdery mildew can cause flowers to fall off. Regularly inspect your plants and take appropriate actions to control pests and manage diseases.

5. Improper pruning – Over-pruning or pruning at the wrong time can disrupt the flowering cycle and result in flower loss. Prune sweet pea plants lightly to remove spent blooms or damaged foliage, but avoid heavy pruning during the flowering period.

6. Inadequate support – Sweet peas are climbers and need proper support for their sprawling vines. Inadequate support can lead to flowers being damaged or falling off. Provide trellises, fences, or stakes for the plants to climb and support their growth.

By addressing these potential causes, you can help prevent sweet pea flowers from falling off and enjoy a more abundant and long-lasting display of beautiful blooms. 

Do sweet pea flowers bloom all summer?

Sweet pea flowers do not bloom all summer long. Their blooming season begins in early spring, around February, if the seeds are sown in October of the previous year.

The plants continue to produce their beautiful blooms until March or mid-April, depending on the specific growing conditions and variety. Also, their blooms remain for 6 to 8 weeks. 

During this period, you can enjoy the enchanting sight of sweet pea flowers in full bloom, filling your garden with their colours and fragrance. However, as the summer progresses and temperatures rise, sweet pea plants tend to slow down their blooming.

How do I keep my sweet peas flowering?

To keep your sweet peas flowering, provide them with sufficient sunlight, water them regularly without overdoing it, use a balanced fertilizer, remove faded flowers, provide support for their climbing habit, and watch out for pests and diseases.

With proper care, you can enjoy continuous blooming and a beautiful display of sweet pea flowers.

Why do sweet peas stop flowering? 

Sweet peas may stop flowering due to reasons such as lack of sunlight, too much nitrogen fertilizer, high temperatures and pruning in the wrong season. 

Removing faded flowers, providing a cooler environment, and ensuring they receive enough sunlight can help maintain continuous blooming.

What season do sweet pea flowers grow? 

The season in which sweet pea flowers grow can vary depending on the climate of your area. These beautiful flowers prefer cooler temperatures and may struggle in high heat. In regions with milder summers, you can expect sweet pea flowers to bloom in late spring, around May or June. 

However, in cooler climates, you can see sweet pea flowers blooming in the fall, around September or October. In warmer regions, where winters are mild, you can expect sweet pea flowers to grace your garden during the winter and spring months.

Also Read: How Long Can Monstera Live in Water?

Conclusion

Sweet pea flowers are a satisfying and enchanting plant with their fragrance, offering vibrant colors that can look lovely in any garden. Understanding the factors that affect their blooming can help ensure a successful growing experience. 

Factors such as extreme temperatures, poor soil conditions, improper watering, inadequate sunlight, and inappropriate pot or container sizes can hinder sweet pea flowering.

By addressing these issues and providing growing conditions, you can encourage the continuous blooming of sweet pea flowers.