Sweet Pea 'My Navy' Growing Guide: From Seed to Bloom
By The Diggers Club - Australia's No.1 Gardening Club | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to grow Sweet Pea 'My Navy' from seed to bloom with our step-by-step guide, covering sowing times, support tips, and flowering care for Australian gardens.
Quick answer
Sow Sweet Pea 'My Navy' seeds in autumn or early winter in mild Australian climates, or late winter to early spring in cooler areas. Provide a sturdy climbing support from the start, water consistently, and pick flowers regularly to enjoy a long season of unique navy blooms.
Choosing the right spot and preparing the soil
Sweet peas thrive in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Before sowing, enrich the soil with compost and a balanced fertiliser. 'My Navy' is a tall, vigorous grower, so choose a spot where its long stems can reach at least 1.5–2 metres without shading other plants. Avoid areas that stay waterlogged, as sweet peas dislike wet feet.
Sowing seeds: depth, spacing, and timing
Sow seeds directly where they are to grow, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting. Plant seeds about 2 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart. In warm climates, autumn sowing allows roots to establish before winter; in frost-prone areas, wait until late winter or early spring. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination, which typically takes 10–21 days.
Providing support for climbing stems
Sweet peas are natural climbers, so set up a trellis, netting, or obelisk at sowing time. As seedlings grow, gently tie them to the support with soft twine. 'My Navy' produces long, tall stems that make excellent cut flowers, so a sturdy support will also prevent damage from wind and rain.
Watering and mulching for healthy growth
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overhead watering late in the day to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser once flowering begins to encourage more blooms.
Encouraging blooms and harvesting flowers
Pick flowers regularly to prolong the flowering season. 'My Navy' has the delicacy and scent to hold its own in the heirloom garden, and its long stems make it a standout cut flower. Remove spent flowers to prevent seed pods from forming, which can stop further blooming. For the best vase life, cut stems early in the morning and place them in water immediately.
Step-by-step: growing Sweet Pea 'My Navy' from seed to bloom
- Prepare the soil: Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and enrich the soil with compost and a balanced fertiliser. Sweet peas prefer a soil pH around 6.5–7.5. Checkpoint: soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Sow seeds: Sow seeds 2 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart in autumn or early winter in mild climates, or late winter to early spring in cooler areas. Mistake to avoid: sowing too deep or too close, which can cause rot or competition.
- Set up support: Install a trellis, netting, or obelisk at sowing time. Tie seedlings gently as they grow. Checkpoint: support should be at least 1.5–2 m tall to accommodate long stems.
- Water and mulch: Keep soil evenly moist and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Mistake to avoid: overhead watering late in the day, which encourages disease.
- Feed and pick: Once flowering begins, feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser and pick flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Checkpoint: regular harvesting prolongs the flowering season and prevents seed pods from forming.
Sweet Pea 'My Navy' facts
- Sweet Pea 'My Navy': Prolific with a unique colour, 'My Navy' was a stand out variety in our sweet pea trials, impressing all with a depth of blue more vibrant than we had seen before. You can expect abundant blooms with a distinctive navy hue that adds depth to garden borders and cut-flower arrangements.
- Sweet Pea 'My Navy': Long tall stems make this a stand out cut flower sweet pea with the delicacy and scent to hold it's own in the heirloom garden. Its tall stems are ideal for cutting, and the fragrance and delicate form make it a lovely choice for both garden display and indoor vases.
- Sweet Pea 'My Navy': Another treasure from internationally recognised sweet pea breeder Dr Keith Hammett. Bred by a respected expert, this variety has reliable performance and unique colour that sweet pea enthusiasts will appreciate.
