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nikipedia's avatar

Why are my sweet peas losing color?

Asked by nikipedia (28077points) May 16th, 2011
4 responses
“Great Question” (0points)

I have some sweet pea vines in my garden that have been growing like crazy for a few months now. They’re beautiful and very fragrant and I love them.

I noticed in the past week or so, the blossoms have started to lose a lot of their color. Are they getting bleached from the summer heat, or is the soil running out of some nutrient(s), or have they just run their course?

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Answers

thorninmud's avatar

They’re being bleached by the UV rays of the sunlight. Usually the reddish hues fade fastest because they absorb those shorter wavelengths.

janbb's avatar

I wanted to come in with some silly, snide remark – because this is Social and I can – but @thorninmud‘s calm, sensible answer has taken the wind out of my snarky sails. Drat it!

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

You could try a little high potassium fertilizer, like a tomato or flowering plant mix. It sounds a little early for them to be past peak but I’m not used to your weather. Stay away from the high nitrogen fertilizer.

gailcalled's avatar

It also signals the end of their prolific blossoming, which they do for a limited time, being a perennial.

Min are only just starting to rush out of the ground. But you live in much balmier climes.

My flowering fruit trees (and those in town) were glorious for less-than-aweek. Now there is a shower of petals and a carpet on the ground.

Make sure you watch for the seed pods to dry out. Harvest and save for next year.

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