The sweet pea isn’t a pea at all—in fact, the seeds of the sweet pea plant are toxic and not edible! However, regular, garden-variety peas are sometimes informally called sweet peas, so that is where the confusion stems from.
Are there different types of sweet peas?
The easy way to decide which to buy is to select the type of sweet pea you want: Spencers (which are loved by florists for their big flowers and long stems), Old-fashioned forms (which boast charm, flower power, weather resilience, and incredible scent, but have short stems), or Grandifloras (which have a mix of
What is the difference between sweet pea and garden pea?
Garden peas are sometimes called sweet peas or English peas. The pods are firm and rounded, but you must shell them, remove the peas inside, then discard the pods before eating. The peas are sweet and may be eaten raw or cooked; these are the peas you typically see canned or in the freezer section.
Are all sweet peas poisonous?
Since they are members of the legume family, people often wonder, can you eat sweet peas? No! All sweet peas plants are toxic.
Which are the best sweet peas?
Six of the best scented sweet peas
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Linda Carole’ Launched by Derek Heathcote who has produced some fine varieties since he started his business in 1992.
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Matucana’
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Our Harry.
- Sweet Pea ‘Valerie Harrod.
- Grandiflora Sweet Peas.
What is the best variety of sweet peas to grow?
10 sweet peas to grow
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘St George’
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Promiscuity’
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Prima Ballerina’
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Percy Thrower.
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Lipstick’
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Pandemonium’
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Geranium Pink’
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Hi Scent’
Can you eat the peas from a sweet pea plant?
Sweet peas will keep flowering if you pick the flowers regularly – a good excuse to have some beautiful flowers in your home. Remember- sweet pea seed pods look similar to edible pea pods but they are poisonous and must not be eaten.
What are the 4 types of peas?
There are basically three types of peas: English peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas. Each goes by multiple names, making the choice all the more confusing. But once you get the differences clear, you will probably want to grow some of each.
Can all pea pods be eaten?
The pods of garden peas, or sweet peas, are not eaten. For best quality and to preserve nutrients, only preserve what you and your family can eat in one year. When picking peas, or purchasing them, pick pea pods that are filled with young, tender peas. To successfully freeze peas they need to be blanched.
Can sweet pea be eaten raw?
Garden peas are also sometimes called sweet peas or English peas. The pods are firm and rounded, and the round peas inside need to removed, or shelled, before eating (the pods are discarded). The peas are sweet and may be eaten raw or cooked; these are the common peas that are sold shelled and frozen.
Are sweet peas toxic to dogs?
Although the name “sweet pea” (Lathyrus latifolius and L. odoratus) sounds innocuous and lovely as can be, the family Fabaceae plants are actually toxic to various animals, including dogs.
Which peas are poisonous?
Although garden peas, (Pisum sativum) such as English peas, edible podded peas and snow peas are edible, sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are poisonous – especially the flowers and seeds.
What to do with sweet peas when finished flowering?
Cut down your sweet peas when they finish flowering, but leave the roots in the ground as they have little nodules on them which will add nitrogen to your soil.
Which sweet peas have the most flowers?
Said to be the most powerfully scented sweet pea available, ‘Matucana’ has small, but powerfully scented bi-coloured flowers. Not to be confused with the very similar (and equally fragrant) variety ‘Cupani’.
What is the most scented sweet pea?
Most Fragrant Sweet Peas
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Black Knight’ (Sweet Pea)
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Cupani’ (Sweet Pea)
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Dorothy Eckford’ (Sweet Pea)
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Flora Norton’ (Sweet Pea)
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Gwendoline’ (Sweet Pea)
- Lathyrus odoratus ‘Lady Grisel Hamilton’ (Sweet Pea)
Which sweet peas have long stems?
Spencer Sweet Peas have very large frilly flowers and long stems make these extremely popular for cutting and for exhibition, as well as for garden decoration. All are scented and are summer flowering.
Do sweet peas grow back every year?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) only live for a year, dying after setting seed. But don’t let this put you off as they are super easy to grow from seed. Perennial species such as Lathyrus latifolius come back year after year, but mostly lack fragrance and there are fewer to choose from.
How long do sweet peas last in the garden?
If you actively maintain your cut sweet peas, they may last beautifully for up to one week.
What can you not plant with sweet peas?
Just as there are good companion plants to grow with peas, there are also plants that will inhibit your peas from growing properly. Alliums like onions, garlic, and chives stunt the growth of peas. Avoid planting peas and alliums in the same garden beds.
What do you do with the pods on sweet peas?
Sweet pea pods and seeds are not edible, but you can harvest them from the plant to propagate more flowers. Sweet pea flowers come in many colors, making them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.
Can you eat decorative sweet peas?
For the salad, you can use any pea in the pod. Some people were concerned about sweet peas being edible. There is an ornamental flowering sweet pea that is NOT edible. But these vines and flowers are from the sweet pea vegetable so can be eaten.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.