By Sharon Cohoon,   Sunset senior garden writer

If you live in Sunset Western Climate zones 7-9 or 12-24, you should have planted your sweet pea seeds in September.  That would have been ideal.  But if you didn't, you naughty gardeners, it's not too late. If you get seeds in the ground this month, there's a great chance you can still enjoy those charming blossoms and talcum-powder-clean scent this spring.

To get germination off to a fast start, soak seeds in water for a few hours first.  Or nick them with a nail clipper as Renee Shepherd of Renee's Garden does. Those of you who live in colder climates still have a chance to start your sweetpeas at the best possible time.  In your area, sow in February or March--as soon as you can work the soil.

The sweet pea shown here is `Watermelon', a variety Renee likes for its intense fragrance and mouth-watering color.  "It's like a combination of fresh-sliced watermelon and peaches", she says. Or check out `April in Paris,' `North Shore' and the rest of her varieties.

For more about sweet peas:
How to grow them
Ideas for how to use