Tropical
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebWaitMarWaitAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugWaitSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for April, May, June, July.
Grow for Beauty
When to plant Sweet pea in Australia
A practical climate-by-climate planting calendar plus detailed starting, care, problem and safety guidance.
StartSow directLightFull sunTimingFlowers in 12–16 weeksDifficultyEasy
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Australian planting calendar
Best months by climate
Highlighted months are the usual planting window. A local nursery, seed packet and current weather forecast should take priority over a broad climate calendar.
Subtropical
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for February, March, April, May, June, July, August.
Warm temperate
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
Cool temperate
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
Mediterranean
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
Semi-arid
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepPlantOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
Arid
Open climate guide →JanWaitFebPlantMarPlantAprPlantMayPlantJunPlantJulPlantAugPlantSepWaitOctWaitNovWaitDecWait
Aim for February, March, April, May, June, July, August.
Start well
Plant sweet pea with confidence
Sow direct. As a starting rule, cover seed by roughly twice its diameter, then follow the packet where it gives a different depth.
- Sowing or planting depth
- Follow the packet; seed size and variety determine the correct depth.
- Germination or establishment
- Commonly 7–21 days, but the seed packet and current soil temperature are the best guide for the exact variety.
- Spacing
- Use the mature width on the label; Patch's broad family guide is only a starting point.
- Soil
- Well-prepared soil with compost and reliable drainage; usually ph 6.0–7.0.
Feeding
Support steady growth
Use compost before planting and a flower-forming feed only when the species benefits from it.
Water
Keep moisture balanced
Keep moist while establishing, then water deeply when the surface dries.
Maintenance
What to do as it grows
Remove spent flowers where appropriate and maintain airflow around new growth.
Harvest or display
Know when it is ready
Flowers in 12–16 weeks. Readiness varies with variety and weather; use colour, firmness, size and the supplier's maturity notes rather than the calendar alone.
Problems and companions
Keep your patch healthy
Common watch-outs
Aphids, thrips, snails, powdery mildew and grey mould can appear in crowded or damp growth.
Useful neighbours
Combine plants with matching water and sunlight needs, and stagger flowering times for a longer display.
People and pets
Safety note
Seeds and pods are toxic if eaten. Do not confuse ornamental sweet peas with edible peas.
Moving plants
Biosecurity note
Check local weed, invasive-plant and interstate quarantine rules before sharing or moving unfamiliar plant material.
Transparent guidance
How to use this guide
Patch gives a broad Australian starting point, not a guarantee for every variety or garden. Read the Patch methodology and sources, check the latest Bureau of Meteorology climate information, and confirm interstate restrictions through Australian Interstate Quarantine.
Last reviewed 3 September 2026