How and When to Harvest and Store Sweet Pea Seeds | Gardener’s Path

Sweet peas (Lathryrus odoratus) are vintage charmers that are as lovely and welcome in the garden today as they were when Grandma planted them decades ago.

In addition to offering a rainbow of hues and an alluring fragrance, sweet peas also generously self-seed, so if you’re looking to expand your existing patch, just let your plants go to seed, and you’ll be set.

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However, if you’d like to gather the seeds to plant in a different place or to perhaps share with a neighbor, read on to learn how to harvest and store these orbs of new life.

How Do You Collect Sweet Pea Seeds?

Identify a few particularly attractive plants you would like to duplicate. Keep in mind that only heirloom varieties will reproduce true to type.

Seeds from modern cultivars won’t likely produce the same type of plant from which they came.

But maybe you’re a gambler and would like to see what Mother Nature comes up with!

When you’re out in the garden deadheading, ignore the plants you have “set aside.” Allow the flowers of those plants to fade and die while they’re still on the plant.

The petals will fall and seed-containing pods will form.

When Do You Harvest Sweet Pea Seeds?

Now you really have to pay attention to them carefully. You’ll notice the pods will transition from light green to a darker green and swell up as the seeds mature inside.

When the seeds reach full maturity, the pods will turn a light brown color.

Pluck the pods at this point. If you wait too long, the pods will split, spewing their contents far and wide, and you’ll have lost your opportunity to harvest.

Once you’ve collected your pods, bring them indoors and allow them to dry on a rack for a few days to a week.

You’ll notice the pods starting to pull open at the seams on their own. Encourage this by running your nail along the seams, and gently press the pods’ contents into a container.

Alternatively, you can place the pods in a paper bag, seal the bag tightly, and put it in a warm place, such as a windowsill.

After a couple days, begin shaking the paper bag vigorously to break open the pods and release the seeds. Do this once a day for about seven days until all have been released.

Try This Trick

If all this waiting and watching is not your style, consider purchasing some small muslin bags such as these from Pangda US, available via Amazon, and tying them loosely around each stem, above the pea pod.

Pangda Drawstring Cotton Muslin Bags

When the pods split, the bag will collect the seeds.

Spread the contents of the bag on a baking sheet and ensure the seeds are completely dry.

Pick and Store

Pick the seeds out and store them in an envelope, like these self sealing seed packets available from Amazon, or in a lidded jar.

Place in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar or refrigerator. Be sure to label and date your container!

Resealable Self Sealing Seed Envelopes

Come springtime, you’ll be ready to plant and enjoy this lovely vine in a new part of your garden.

How Long Will Sweet Pea Seeds Last?

Sweet pea seeds should remain viable for two to three years if properly stored.

Harvesting sweet pea seeds is as simple as letting the pods mature on the vine until they’re ready to pick, letting them dry out, and storing.

Have you ever collected sweet pea seeds? Share your tips and secrets in the comments section below!

And remember to check out our complete guide to growing sweet peas here.

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