Sweet peas are native to Sicily, Cyprus and Southern Italy. A Sicilian monk is said to have sent the first sweet pea seeds to England in the 17th century and they became popular in the late-Victorian era after being cultivated by Henry Eckford.
Do sweet peas come from the flower?
About Sweet Peas. The sweet pea—Lathyrus odoratus—is an annual flower that is at home in a cutting garden, border garden, woodland, or twining on a trellis or an arch. The flowers are now available in a huge range of colors, from pearly white through ice cream pastels to ritzy magentas and inky purples.
How toxic are sweet peas?
Sweet Pea Toxicity
The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous, containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. Symptoms of Lathyrus are paralysis, labored breathing, and convulsions.
Can you eat the peas from sweet peas?
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.
How are sweet peas made?
They are grown by gardeners for private enjoyment or for exhibition, and in the floristry trade. The large, pea-shaped seeds are sown in cold frames in Spring or Autumn. The seeds benefit from pre-soaking or chipping with a sharp blade. The plants are also available later in the season, as young plants or plugs.
Do Sweetpeas come 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.
Can I collect seeds from sweet peas?
Collecting seeds from sweet peas is easy. Bring the seedpods indoors and remove the seeds from the pods. Line a flat surface, such as a countertop or cookie sheet, with newspaper and let the seeds dry for about three days. Once dry, put them in a freezer bag or Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep them dry.
Can you eat sweet peas raw?
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.
What happens if you eat sweet pea flowers?
Symptoms: Accidental ingestion does not result in poisoning. However eating large quantities of seed for weeks to months can result in a paralytic syndrome. Symptoms can include paralysis, slow and weak pulse, breathing difficulty and convulsions. Warning: Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Can dogs eat sweet peas?
We’re talking about green peas, specifically: snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas. You can feed your dog fresh, frozen, or thawed peas, but do not give your dog canned peas.
Is there a difference between green peas and sweet peas?
Sweet Peas Aren’t Actually Edible!
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.
What do I 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.
Are sweet peas toxic to cats?
If you suspect your cat has ingested the everlasting pea in any quantity, take it to the vet immediately even if it is not showing symptoms. The everlasting pea plant, also called the sweet pea and the perennial pea, is a member of the Fabaceae family, which is toxic to domestic animals and horses.
Are sweet peas healthy?
Sweet peas provide an impressive inventory of nutrients. Not only are they fibrous, they contain a number of vitamins. Among these are vitamins B, C and K. Their mineral profile includes high amounts of manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iron and magnesium.
What’s the difference between sweet peas and English peas?
English peas, garden peas, or sweet peas generally refer to the same thing and are the spherical variety often found in packages of frozen peas that many of us grew up chasing around our dinner plates. They grow in pods that are too fibrous to ingest, thus they are shelled and the pods discarded.
Why are they called sweet peas?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) derive their name from the Greek lathyros for pea or pulse, and the Latin odoratus, meaning fragrant.
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 is the lifespan of a pea plant?
Peas are annual plants, with a life cycle of one year.
What do you do with sweet peas in the winter?
Sweet peas can withstand temperatures of about -5 at night but will not like to be frozen in their pots all day. If you overdo it and lose the top growth, chances are, if you give them some warmth they will have established enough root to sprout again.
What month do you plant sweet peas?
You can plant sweet peas from October to March. Sweet peas are hardy annuals so planting them in October or November will give them a head start and a chance to establish really strong root growth before being planted out in spring.
What month do sweet peas flower?
Sweet peas are sown and grown from seed or bought as plug plants. If growing from seed, you can sow in autumn (typically October or November) or spring (February to April), and grow on the seedlings into small plants.
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.