Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

Also known as: Common sweet pea

The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) has been a cherished flowering climber since the Victorian era. With the aid of tendrils, it can reach heights of 1.02 to 2 meters if proper supports are provided. While wild sweet peas feature highly fragrant purple flowers, cultivated varieties come in a wide array of colors.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Sweet pea

Lifespan

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Plant Height

50 cm to 2 m

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 cm to 3.5 cm

Flower Color

Red Purple White Pink Blue Orange Yellow Violet

Images of Sweet pea

Quickly Identify Sweet pea

Showy, fragrant flowers in various colors, never yellow

Pinnate leaves with narrow, ovate to lanceolate leaflets

Winged, herbaceous stems with twining growth habit

Elongated clusters of pea-like flowers, 1-2 inches in diameter

Terminal tendrils aiding in climbing, prominent and parallel leaf veins

Scientific Classification of Sweet pea

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Peavines

Species

Sweet pea

Planting and Growing of Sweet pea

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Sweet pea?

For Lathyrus odoratus, target around 200 milliliters of water per session. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged; water until it begins to seep out of the drainage holes to maintain optimal hydration without risking root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Sweet pea? ›

What should I do if my Sweet pea is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Sweet pea? ›

How to save an overwatered Sweet pea? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sweet pea?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Lathyrus odoratus prefers full sun or partial sun, ideal for their growth and blooming potential. Such light conditions enable robust photosynthesis, promoting vigorous growth, abundant flowering, and a strong fragrance, while minimizing disease risks.

How much light does Lathyrus odoratus need? ›

How to ensure ideal light conditions? ›

What are the benefits of optimal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Sweet pea?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

The optimal temperature range for growing Lathyrus odoratus, also known as sweet peas, is between 60°F and 70°F. These temperatures provide the perfect environment for their growth and flowering, ensuring that the plants remain healthy and vibrant. Sweet peas thrive in these mild, consistent conditions, allowing for robust development of roots, foliage, and blossoms.

What Soil is Best for Sweet pea?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Sweet peas thrive in nutrient-rich soil that provides essential minerals and nutrients for optimal growth. Fertile soil enhances flowering and ensures vigorous development, making it a crucial requirement for these plants. Soil that drains well prevents waterlogging, which is detrimental to sweet peas. Proper drainage allows roots to breathe and access necessary oxygen, fostering healthy growth and preventing root rot. While good drainage is essential, the soil must also retain enough moisture. Soil that holds moderate moisture supports sustained growth and flowering, especially in periods of dry weather.

How to Fertilize Sweet pea?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Lathyrus odoratus, apply liquid fertilizer at a concentration of half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilization. In the growing season, use approximately 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. This ensures the plant has a steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming its gentle root system.

How to Prune Sweet pea?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Identify the main stems of the Lathyrus odoratus and cut back any smaller, weaker stems. Doing so channels energy to stronger parts of the plant, promoting a more robust bloom. Always use clean, sharp scissors to avoid infections. Remove faded or dead flowers promptly to prolong the blooming period. This process, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to continue flowering rather than focusing on seed production, leading to a more vibrant display. As summer ends, cut back the plants to tidy them up and prepare them for dormancy. This involves trimming stems back to a few inches above the ground, which helps in managing plant health during the off-season.

How to Propagate Sweet pea plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Late winter

Soak the seeds in warm water overnight to soften the hard seed coat, which facilitates quicker germination for Lathyrus odoratus.

Sow the soaked seeds into trays filled with potting mix about half an inch deep. Make sure to space them adequately to avoid crowding as they sprout.

Gently water the seeds without washing them away, and cover them with a clear plastic lid to maintain humidity until they germinate.

How to Repot Sweet pea plant?

Repotting frequency: Every other year

Repot Lathyrus odoratus when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or if the plant's growth has become stunted. Another cue is if watering seems less effective, indicating the soil is compacted or root-bound.

Select a pot with ample drainage. It should be slightly larger than the current one. The material can be clay or plastic but ensure it has holes at the bottom. A bigger pot allows room for root growth, promoting healthier and more vigorous sweet peas.

Opt for a soil mix rich in organic matter and well-draining properties. A mix with compost and peat moss works wonders, providing essential nutrients while preventing water stagnation, thus mimicking the plant's natural environment.

Toxicity of Sweet pea

Is Sweet pea toxic to humans?

When consumed in significant quantities over an extended period, sweet pea can induce toxic effects. These reactions may vary in intensity from moderate to severe, often necessitating prompt medical intervention. The plant's seeds are the primary source of toxicity, as they harbor harmful lathyrogens. Ingestion of these lathyrogens can lead to symptoms including respiratory difficulties, convulsions, decreased heart rate, and possibly paralysis. It is crucial to keep this plant separate from any similar-looking varieties in your vegetable garden, and to ensure that children are kept away from the seeds of these decorative plants used in homes or gardens.

Is Sweet pea toxic to cat?

Sweet pea carries a moderate toxicity risk for cats. If felines consume the seeds of the sweet pea plant, which are the harmful sections, they may face poisoning risks. After ingestion of the seeds, cats could display various signs of physical discomfort or distress. It is crucial to take any cat displaying negative reactions after exposure to sweet pea to a veterinary facility without delay. Vigilant oversight can help avert ingestion, thereby protecting the cat's wellbeing from the possible hazards associated with sweet pea.

Is Sweet pea toxic to dog?

Sweet pea presents a moderate risk of toxicity to dogs. Poisoning generally occurs when a dog consumes parts of the plant, with the seeds being especially harmful. Following ingestion, a dog may display a range of symptoms that signal poisoning. These may encompass, but are not confined to, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and lethargy. Dog owners must remain alert and safeguard their pets from areas where sweet pea grows. If a dog ingests any portion of the sweet pea plant, particularly the seeds, it is essential to seek urgent veterinary assistance to guarantee prompt and suitable treatment.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.