The sweet pea flower (Lathyrus odoratus) is an annual climbing plant that is in the genus Lathyrus, a member of the Fabaceae, or legume family. It is native to the Mediterranean including southern Italy, the Aegean Island region, Sicily, and Cyprus.
How long does it take to grow a sweet pea?
Sweet peas will need about 50 days of cool temperatures (under 60º F) to bloom gloriously in your garden. Sweet pea seed has a hard, water insoluble seed coat. There is no evidence that soaking sweet peas will increase germination.
What is the season for sweet peas?
when are sweet peas in season? The main flowering season for sweet peas is June and July but they can start earlier or go on later, depending on when you sowed and planted them . Keep watering, feeding and deadheading to prolong their season.
How poisonous 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.
Where do perennial sweet peas grow?
The Everlasting Pea will flower best grown in full sun, although it is tolerant of some shade. It growth is similar to the annual sweet pea clinging on with tendrils and it will climb or scramble over an obelisk, trellis or adjacent shrubs.
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.
Do sweet peas 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.
What insects do sweet peas attract?
They bloom in late spring and summer and even through the fall in cool climates. Sweet peas attract butterflies.
Can sweet peas grow in pots?
With a few simple tips and tricks you can have colourful and fragrant Sweet Peas all summer long! Sweet Peas grow beautifully in pots and containers. All they need are great soil, sunshine, water and something to climb. Then sit back and wait for your beautifully scented sweet peas to grow and flourish.
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.
Can you eat the peas off 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 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.
Are sweet pea toxic to dogs?
Any of these plants can be considered toxic to your dog, cat, or other small animals. Although they sound like they should be edible, sweet pea plants are not food. As a matter of fact, they contain the toxic chemical called aminoproprionitrile, which causes musculoskeletal and central nervous system problems.
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.
Is sweet pea invasive?
Annual or Perennial
In many areas of North America, the perennial sweet pea (L. latifolius) is an invasive problem, clogging open fields and roadsides. It looks pretty until you realize it’s crowding out other plants and acting like a thug.
Do you deadhead sweet peas?
Once your sweet pea plants are in full flower make sure that you dead-head them and remove seed pods as soon as possible to encourage more blooms to be produced.
Are green peas and sweet peas the same?
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.
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.
Why are sweet peas called sweet peas?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) derive their name from the Greek lathyros for pea or pulse, and the Latin odoratus, meaning fragrant.
Do sweet peas survive winter?
Sweet peas are a hardy annual, which means they will tolerate cold, even a light frost below if freezing. They are tougher than they look and will take a regular frost down to around -4.
Do sweet peas need sun or shade?
Make sure you plant the sweet peas outside after the last frost date in your area. Choose a spot in full sun or very light dappled shade with rich, well-drained soil.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
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