Episode 48 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast: A Conversation with Marryn Mathis
The Art & Science of Growing Sweet Peas
In Episode 48, Marryn Mathis shares tips for growing sweet peas along with a sneak peek into her new book, Sweet Pea School.
Sweet peas have captivated gardeners for generations, enchanting us with their delicate petals, intoxicating fragrance, and rich history. If you’ve ever dreamed of growing these timeless beauties or want to improve your success with them, you’re in for a treat!
On this week’s episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, I sat down with Marryn Mathis, founder of The Farmhouse Flower Farm and the newly published author of Sweet Pea School. Marryn has spent years cultivating and teaching the art of growing sweet peas, and now she’s poured all of her wisdom into a stunning new book.
From flower farmer to published author, Marryn shares the journey behind her book, the fascinating history of sweet peas, and her expert tips on how to grow them successfully—no matter your climate.
If you love flowers, appreciate the stories they carry, and want to bring more sweet peas into your garden, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice! 🌸
Meet the Sweet Pea Queen
It’s no exaggeration to call Marryn Mathis the Sweet Pea Queen—after all, she grew over 32,000 sweet pea plants last year alone! But her journey with sweet peas didn’t start with a massive flower farm. It began with a childhood memory of her grandmother, who spoke of sweet peas with such fondness that the flowers left an imprint on Marryn’s heart.
Fast forward to 2020, when Marryn held her first Sweet Pea School workshop. She expected a small, simple class—but after two and a half hours of passionate teaching, she realized just how much sweet peas meant to her and how much she enjoyed sharing that knowledge with others.
What started as an in-person workshop grew into an online course, and now, four years later, she’s launched her first book, Sweet Pea School.
“When I started growing flowers, I never imagined I’d be teaching classes, let alone writing a book. But one tiny seed of an idea can grow into something bigger than you ever dreamed of.” – Marryn Mathis
Why Sweet Peas Deserve a Spot in Your Garden
Sweet peas aren’t just another flower—they have a rich history, an unmatched fragrance, and a timeless charm.
💡 Did You Know? Sweet peas were first discovered in the 1600s by a Sicilian monk, not in England as many believe!
Over time, the flowers spread across Europe, gaining immense popularity in English gardens thanks to breeders like Henry Eckford and Roger Parsons. Today, their delicate ruffles and nostalgic scent continue to make them a favorite among gardeners.
So why should you grow sweet peas?
✔ Sweet peas are one of the most fragrant flowers – A bouquet of sweet peas will fill your home with a beautiful, natural perfume. ✔ They make stunning cut flowers – With their long stems and delicate petals, they’re perfect for arrangements. ✔ Are easy to grow (with the right knowledge!) – Sweet peas thrive in cool weather and can be grown even in challenging climates with the proper techniques. ✔ They hold sentimental value – Many gardeners associate sweet peas with childhood memories, past gardens, or loved ones who adored them.
Marryn’s Top Sweet Pea Growing Tips
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a beginner, Marryn has some game-changing tips for sweet pea success.
1️⃣ Start Cool, Not Warm
🌡️ Common Mistake: Many gardeners start sweet pea seeds in warm conditions, thinking they need the same care as other flowers.
✅ Better Approach: Sweet peas thrive in cool temperatures (50-55°F) and do NOT need heat mats! Starting them too warm leads to weak, leggy plants.
2️⃣ Skip the Soaking
💦 Common Misconception: Many people think soaking sweet pea seeds overnight speeds up germination.
✅ Marryn’s Take:“Soaking can actually lower germination rates and introduce bacteria. I plant my seeds directly in soil, and they do just fine!”
3️⃣ Choose the Right Sweet Pea Variety for Your Climate
🌎 When it comes to growing sweet peas, one size does not fit all!
✅ For warmer zones (9-10): Choose early-flowering varieties and plant them in fall to get blooms before the heat arrives. ✅ In cooler zones (3-7): You can sow traditional Spencer varieties in late winter or early spring. ✅ For extreme climates: Look for heat-tolerant or short-day varieties that bloom with fewer hours of daylight.
Photo by: Christine Chitnis From “Sweet Pea School”
4️⃣ Give Them Proper Support
🌿 Sweet peas need something to climb!
✅ Use sturdy trellises, netting, or bamboo stakes to help them grow long, strong stems perfect for cutting.
5️⃣ Extend Your Sweet Pea Season
🌞 If you’re in a hot climate, afternoon shade is your best friend!
✅ Provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to keep your plants producing flowers longer.
Photo by: Christine Chitnis From “Sweet Pea School”
A Love Letter to Sweet Peas
At the heart of Sweet Pea School is a message of sharing beauty, creating memories, and appreciating the fleeting nature of flowers.
“When you give a bouquet, you’re not just sharing flowers. You’re sharing a moment, a feeling, a memory.”
– Marryn Mathis
Marryn hopes her book inspires more people to grow sweet peas, pass along their seeds, and keep the tradition alive for generations.
Photo by: Christine Chitnis From “Sweet Pea School”
Get Your Copy of Sweet Pea School
Whether you’re new to sweet peas or have been growing them for years, Marryn’s book is an essential guide to growing these enchanting blooms successfully.
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New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!
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