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Sweet pea, also known as lathyrus odoratus, is a popular annual plant in the pea family, known for its fragrant flowers. With hundreds of varieties, sweet peas are grown as garden ornamentals or commercially for the floral industry. The vine-like stem, 1.2-1.8 meters long, bears alternate compound leaves with two oval leaflets and a terminal tendril. The flowers, typically white, pink, red, violet, or purple, grow up to 5 cm across and are borne singly or in clusters of two to four. The fruit is a hairy pod about 5 cm long, and the seeds are not considered edible. Here are the top 10 sweet pea flower plants facts:
10 sweet pea flower plants facts
Fragrance and Color
Sweet pea flower plants are known for their beguiling fragrance and dainty flowers, with a color palette ranging from pastels to jewel tones. They symbolize blissful pleasure and delicate beauty, embodying sentiments of good wishes, friendship, kindness, and gratitude. Sweet peas are annual climbing plants, growing to a height of 1–2 meters. They have been cultivated since the 17th century and have over 50 cultivars gaining the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. They are well-suited to containers and are not edible, and all parts of the plant are toxic to pets and people.
Abundance of Blooms
Sweet peas are a popular plant due to their abundance of blooms and unique fragrance. These vine-like plants thrive in cooler temperatures and can reach heights of six to eight feet over fences. The flowers come in various colors and are borne in clusters on sturdy stems. Sweet peas are best suited for cool seasons like winter and early spring, and are known for their vibrant color palette and unique fragrance.
For You: 10 sweet pea flower plants facts
Climbing Plant
Sweet pea plants are annual climbing plants that can grow up to a height of 1–2 meters (3 ft 3 in – 6 ft 7 in) with suitable support. Their vines are pinnate with two leaflets and a terminal tendril, which twines around supporting plants and structures. Sweet peas are vining plants that climb vigorously, reaching heights of six to eight feet over fences and other supports. They are well-suited to containers and can be grown in pots or in the ground, trained up a frame for a beautiful display. Their climbing nature, vibrant blooms, and suitability for various growing conditions make sweet pea plants a captivating and attractive addition to any garden.
Cultivation
Sweet peas are annual climbing plants that grow up to a height of 1–2 meters, with pinnate leaves and a terminal tendril that aids in climbing. These vine-like plants can be grown in pots or in the ground and can be trained up into a frame for a beautiful display. The flowers are borne in clusters on sturdy stems, with three to six or more flowers per stem, creating a spectacular display of color. Sweet peas have been cultivated since the 17th century and have a vast number of cultivars commercially available, with over 50 gaining the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Their climbing nature, vibrant blooms, and suitability for various growing conditions make them a captivating and attractive plant.
Here are some tips for growing sweet pea plants
- When to plant: Sow seeds between October and April. For best results, sow in late October/November or late February/March.
- Where to plant: Plant in a bright, sunny spot that’s easy to access for picking.
- Soil: Sweet peas prefer rich, moist soil.
- Support: Support the vines with netting, twine, or trellises.
For You: 15 Captivating Facts About Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea Flower Plants: Varieties
Sweet pea plants are a popular choice due to their unique characteristics and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures. These plants produce an abundance of blooms over a long period, making them a staple in the cutting garden. The flowers come in a variety of colors, from pale pastels to richly saturated jewel tones, and are borne in clusters on sturdy stems. Over 50 cultivars have earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, showcasing the success of breeding efforts. Sweet peas are a beloved and enchanting bloom for gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
Pests and Diseases
Sweet pea plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, thrips, spider mites, and corn earworms. Aphids drain plant sap, slowing down growth, while the mosaic virus, which is carried by greenflies, causes yellowing of the leaves, distorted new shoots, and prevented flowering. Regular inspections for signs of infestation or disease are recommended, and action should be taken as soon as a problem is noticed. Mild insecticidal soap and removing infected plant material can help control pests and prevent disease spread. Providing good air circulation and avoiding overcrowding can also help prevent disease. Sweet pea plants are also susceptible to ethylene, so growers should plant them away from fruit trees and other plants prone to early dieback or senescence.
Sweet Pea Flower Plants: Fragrance
Sweet pea plants are known for their sweet and intoxicating scent, often a combination of honey and orange blossoms. The fragrance of these flowers is a key reason why many people grow them, as a small bouquet can effectively perfume a room. Some individuals consider fragrance to be the most important aspect of sweet peas, while others appreciate a sweet combination of both fragrance and color. Some sweet pea varieties, such as ‘Heaven Scent’, ‘High Scent’, and ‘More Scent’, have a stronger-than-average scent. The fragrance of sweet pea flowers adds to their allure, making them a delightful choice for gardens, floral arrangements, and perfumes.
Sweet Pea Flower Plants: Symbolism
Sweet pea flower plants symbolize blissful pleasure, delicate pleasure, good wishes, friendship, kindness, and goodbyes. They are associated with sentiments of appreciation, gratitude, and lasting pleasure. Sweet peas are the official birth flower for April and are a thoughtful way to say thank you. They were popular in the late 1800s and were considered the floral emblem for Edwardian England. Sweet peas are also associated with youth and young love, making them a perfect symbolism of beauty, delight, and pleasure. They are also a symbol of strength in the face of adversity or resilience. Sweet peas are often used in funeral arrangements as they symbolize departure, goodbyes, and blissful pleasure.
Sweet Pea Flower Plants: Growing Conditions
Sweet pea flower plants are ideal for cool maritime or mountain climates, particularly in early spring and winter. These vine-like plants can reach heights of six to eight feet and come in various colors. They require full sun and rich soil, with partial afternoon sunlight in hot summers to prevent wilting. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist. Sweet peas are cold-hardy and should be planted after the last frost in winter. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the growing tips when young plants have four to six leaves. Regular fertilization is essential for maintaining plant health. Sweet pea plants are a delightful addition to gardens and floral arrangements.
Sweet Pea Flower Plants: Toxicity
Sweet pea flower plants, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, are toxic and should not be consumed. All parts of the sweet pea plant are poisonous, including the seeds, flowers, and pods. The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous, containing lathyrogens that, if ingested in large quantities, can cause a condition called lathyrism. Symptoms of lathyrism include paralysis, shallow breathing, and convulsions. Due to their toxicity, sweet peas should not be planted near edible peas, such as Pisum sativum, to avoid any potential confusion. It’s important to handle sweet pea plants with care, especially if there are children or pets in the vicinity. The toxicity of sweet pea flower plants is a crucial consideration for gardeners and individuals handling these plants.
Sweet pea is a good cut flower
Sweet pea flowers, renowned for their sweet and intoxicating fragrance, are popular for cut flower arrangements. These plants, part of the Fabaceae family, come in vibrant colors like pastels, blues, and bi-colors. Sweet peas are grown for their beautiful ruffled flowers, borne in clusters on sturdy stems. Sweet peas are a staple in the cutting garden, producing an abundance of blooms over a long period. They attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity and beauty of the garden.
These facts provide a comprehensive overview of the captivating characteristics and cultivation of sweet pea flower plants.
Conclusion
The sweet pea flower plant, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, is a captivating and versatile plant with a rich history and cultural significance. It is an annual climbing plant that thrives in cool maritime or mountain climates, producing an abundance of blooms over a long period, making it a staple in the cutting garden. The flowers come in a variety of vibrant colors, including delicate pastels, blues, and bi-colors, and are renowned for their sweet and intoxicating fragrance, often described as a combination of honey and orange blossoms. The sweet pea holds cultural significance, symbolizing blissful pleasure, gratitude, and appreciation.
However, it’s important to note that all parts of the sweet pea plant are toxic and should not be consumed. The plant is also susceptible to pests such as aphids and diseases like mosaic virus. Despite these considerations, the sweet pea remains a beloved and enchanting bloom, grown for private enjoyment, exhibition, and in the floristry trade. Its captivating scent, vibrant colors, and cultural significance make it a delightful addition to gardens and floral arrangements, embodying sentiments of beauty, pleasure, and gratitude.
