Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Sweet pea is a climbing annual cherished for its ruffled, intensely fragrant flowers in soft pastel shades, a classic of cottage gardens and cut-flower beds.
- Light
- Full sun to light shade
- Water
- Keep consistently moist
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Sweet pea is an annual climbing vine in the legume family, grown above all for the rich perfume and delicate beauty of its blossoms. It is a quintessential cottage-garden and cut-flower plant.
Native to the Mediterranean, it climbs by tendrils and blooms most heavily in cool weather.
How to identify it
Recognized by its winged stems, tendrils, and fragrant pea-shaped flowers.
- Flowers: ruffled, butterfly-like (typical pea-flower shape), often two-toned in pink, purple, white, or red, sweetly scented
- Leaves: divided into a pair of leaflets ending in branched climbing tendrils
- Stems: winged, climbing 1.5-2 m
- Pods: flattened, hairy, pea-like
Care & growing
Sweet peas love cool conditions and rich, deep soil.
- Light: full sun with cool roots; some afternoon shade in hot areas
- Water: keep consistently moist; never let the soil dry out
- Soil: deep, rich, well-drained, with plenty of organic matter
- Feeding: potassium-rich feed supports flowering
- Propagation: sow seed in autumn or early spring; pinch tips and deadhead to extend bloom; provide support to climb
Habitat & origin
Native to Sicily and the Mediterranean region, growing in mild, sunny conditions.
It was developed into countless fragrant cultivars by Victorian breeders, especially in Britain. It is grown worldwide as a cool-season annual, performing best in spring and early summer before heat sets in.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep sweet peas blooming longer?
Pick or deadhead flowers frequently; allowing pods to form signals the plant to stop blooming.
Why are my sweet peas not flowering?
Hot weather and dry roots cut blooming short; they perform best in cool, moist conditions with rich soil.
When should I sow sweet pea seeds?
Sow in autumn or late winter for the earliest, strongest plants; soaking seeds first aids germination.
Sweet Pea guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Sweet Pea.
Sweet Pea identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
