Sweet pea 'Robert Uvedale'

Nip out the growing tip once the second set of leaves has opened. This makes the plant produce side shoots that increase the number of flowers

Try to plant in a location that enjoys partial sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Robert Uvedale is thought of as half hardy, so protect with a row cover whenever the temperatures drop.

Some recommend soaking the seed for 24 hours in water or nicking the seed coat to hasten germination. Neither is necessary but a little warmth is. Once germination has taken place and the shoot is visible, the seedlings benefit from cooler conditions to promote compact growth. Exclude mice from germinating seeds

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 7.8 inches (20.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.39 inches (1.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 10°C / 50°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Robert Uvedale about 42 days before your last frost date.

Train up canes or nets

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Robert Uvedale is a half hardy plant.

Pick the flowers regularly to extend the season. This is most easily done by picking ALL the blooms that have coloured up on the same day each week. New flowers quickly open to keep your garden pretty but preventing seed formation makes new buds form

Expect harvests to start to occur in mid summer.

Robert Uvedale grew the first sweet peas in the UK in the 17th centuary