Episode 107: Sweet Peas with Philip Johnson

This week I'm speaking to Philip Johnson of Johnson's Sweet Peas. Philip grows and sells plants and seeds via his website and he sells and exhibits his plants at shows across the country, when they're on! He judges at major shows and has put in 25 years service as a Sweet Pea judge. He is a former chairman of the National Sweet Pea Society/RHS Sweet Pea trials held at Wisley and is currently serving as a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee. So what Philip doesn't know abut sweet peas you could write on the back of a stamp and still have room to lick it. Dr Ian Bedford's Bug of the Week: Woolly Aphids About Johnson's Sweet Peas  Johnson's Sweet Peas is a traditional Sweet Pea specialist, growing their own seeds and plants at their nursery in Kent. Through their extensive breeding programme, they occasionally have brand new varieties available for naming and introduction. Philip grows and sells plants and seeds via his website and he sells and exhibits his plants at shows across the country. He judges at major shows and has put in 25 years service as a Sweet Pea judge. He is a former chairman of the National Sweet Pea Society/RHS Sweet Pea trials held at Wisley and is currently serving as a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee. What we talk about: When to sow sweet pea seeds Can we succession sow to prolong the season? Pinching out seedlings Deadheading; why? Essential? Why do stems get shorter as the season progresses?  Watering, feeding, soil requirements Best kinds of supports for sweet peas Pests and diseases Wildlife value Best varieties for scent Colours in sweet pea flowers Colour trends for next year. Exciting developments on the horizon in sweet pea breeding? Links: www.johnsonssweetpeas.co.uk Philip Johnson on Twitter Johnson's Sweet Peas on Instagram  National Sweet Pea Society on Twitter