sweet pea

Also known as: vetchling

L. odoratus is an annual that climbs to about 2m using tendrils. The flowers, produced in summer and early autumn, are 3.5cm across, strongly-scented, with wine-red standard petals and purple wings and keels. Hundreds of cultivars have been raised, a few of which can be seen here

Scientific classification

Species: sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Genus: Lathyrus
Family: Fabaceae

Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Annual Biennial · Climber Wall Shrub
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Climbing
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 10 – 20 °C
Ideal temperature

sweet pea pictures

Distribution of sweet pea

Distribution map

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of sweet pea

Information to be completed

sweet pea care guide

Water regularly in growth, keeping roots cool and evenly moist
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 10 – 20 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water regularly in growth, keeping roots cool and evenly moist

Fertilizing

High-potash sweet pea feed every two weeks through flowering season

Pruning

Deadhead regularly and cut back after flowering

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Sow in a cold frame in early autumn, early spring or in-situ in mid-spring. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Growing

Grow in humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. Incorporate well-rotted organic manure before planting and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks when in growth. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. See sweetpea cultivation

More growing and care information →