Sweet Peas
The sweet pea’s claim to fame is evident in its Latin name: Lathyrus oderatus. Known for its intense scent and beautiful colors, the sweet pea is a treat for all of your senses and a classic addition to any garden.
The sweet pea is native to Sicily in southern Italy. This annual climbing plant is purple in the wild. It was the cultivation of Scottish nurseryman Henry Eckford (1823-1905), the Father of the Sweet Pea, that turned this basically unknown little flower into the iconic flower we know today.
The modern cultivars (cultivar: plant variety with deliberately selected traits that is maintained through cultivation) of the sweet pea are usually pastel shades of blue, pink, purple and white. And if someone promises you a yellow sweet pea, call them a liar — despite ongoing attempts to hybridize different species, botanists have been unable to bring out the yellow color into Lathyrus oderatus.
And a word to the wise: the flower might smell sweet, but this is not a type of pea you want to eat. Though inedible, you’d still have to consume a pretty large quantity for a toxic reaction. But maybe we should just stick to smelling the flower.
Growing Method
Sweet Peas can be planted in the fall and overwintered or in the spring, depending on your USDA growing zone. In zones 7 and higher, plant seeds in the fall so they have time to enjoy the mild winter in the ground. In zones 6 and lower, wait until early spring (the beginning of February in Boise) and start indoors before planting out.
Some growers swear by soaking seeds before starting, but we never have and they turn out great and are less likely to mold. Press seeds gently into seed starting trays about a half inch deep and set in a cool spot. After germination (up to 14 days), move to a grow rack. Once plants are about 4-6 inches tall, pinch out the central growth tip just above a leaf joint to encourage a bushy, stout plant.
It’s time to transfer outside about 6 weeks before the last frost date. It’s so scary, we know! Our spring weather is unpredictable so cover with frost cloth if the temperature dips into the single digits, but never fear sweet peas like the cooler weather.
Plant seedlings about 6 inches apart or closer if you like the “green wall” look. Sweet pea vines like to climb so definitely provide support with netting or a trellis. We simply string twine between posts and let the plants do their own thing.
Just a few notes about sweet pea maintenance: they like steady water and are heavy eaters. Make sure your irrigation is consistent and plant with a heavy dose of compost.
Sweet pea blooms will last about 5 days in a vase, but the plant will continue to rebloom the more you cut so don’t be shy! Harvest stems when there are at least 2 unopened buds at the tip.
Happy Growing!
