What does a sweet pea flower look like
John Thompson
Updated on March 31, 2026
Sweet peas grow as annuals throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. They are best started in the cooler months, as soon as the ground can be worked, as the plants prefer cool ground in which to germinate.
Do sweet pea flowers come back every year?
Sweet peas grow as annuals throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. They are best started in the cooler months, as soon as the ground can be worked, as the plants prefer cool ground in which to germinate.
What are sweet pea flowers good for?
Sweet Peas (properly called Lathyrus odoratus) are one of the great plants for cutting, and they provide irresistible colors and fragrance for spring and early summer bouquets. The delicate flowers are available in a wide range of rich colors, and they scent the air with grapelike perfume.
What month does sweet pea flower?
Perennial sweet peas (Lathyrus latifolius) are not fragrant but persist year to year in USDA zones 3–8, and flower in mild weather from spring to fall, as they do not require a specific day length to begin flowering.Can you eat the flower sweet pea?
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. I have seen sweet pea vines at Whole Foods or Farmers Markets for over $3 a pound.
How do you look after a sweet pea plant?
After planting out, water the plants thoroughly to settle them in and again during dry spells. Feeding regularly throughout summer with a high potash liquid feed will help promote continuous flowering. Cut flowers frequently as they become ready, and certainly before the flowers fade and they produce seed pods.
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.
Are sweet peas annuals or perennials?
While the sweet pea is considered an annual, there are a few perennial cultivars, but they lack fragrance. As does a related perennial species, the everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius).How long does it take to grow a sweet pea flower?
Tip. Sweet peas begin to produce flowers 90 to 120 days after planting seeds, depending on the species and cultivar.
Can sweet peas grow in hanging baskets?The scent of sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) fill the air in spring and summer. … Dwarf sweet pea varieties are well-suited for growing in hanging baskets, from which their trailing vines cascade. Sweet peas grow as annuals in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11.
Article first time published onDo butterflies like sweet peas?
Sweet pea shrubs attract bees, butterflies, and birds, making them an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. It grows 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 m.) tall and thrives in sun or shade.
Can sweet peas be grown in pots?
Sweet Peas can be very successfully grown in containers providing a few basic rules are observed. These are; The container needs to be sufficient volume for the number of plants with a minimum size of 20 litres. Sweet Peas have a large root system and can easily become pot bound.
What scent is sweet pea?
Sweet Pea by Bath and Body Works is a Floral Fruity fragrance for women. Sweet Pea was launched in 2007. Top notes are Sweet Pea, Tayberry, Pear and Black Currant; middle notes are Raspberry, Freesia and Pink Peony; base notes are Plum Tree and Musk. Sweet Pea is a female limited edition fragrance launched in 2007.
Are sweet peas 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.
Are sweet peas poison?
The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous, containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. … There is a related species called Lathyrus sativus, which is cultivated for consumption by humans and animals.
Are sweet peas the same as peas?
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.
Do slugs eat sweet peas?
Answer: Young sweet peas are indeed a favourite of slugs and snails. … Among these are placing scooped out half orange, grapefruit or melon skins, cut side down onto the soil to attract slugs and snails; check each day and empty them.
Do sweet peas need lots of water?
Plant out in mid-spring and keep well watered. Most varieties have tendrils that will ‘self-cling’ to supports, but some sweet peas will need tying in.
Do slugs like sweet peas?
But, first, which plants do slugs like to eat the most? Slugs find soft, succulent, fleshy foliage and stems particularly delicious. Plants that require a little extra protection include: Sweet peas.
Can you plant sweet peas in May?
Start early Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) thrive in cool temperatures, so it’s important to get them blooming early, before summer heat knocks them out. You can plant them outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. … For instance, if your last frost date is May 15, you should plant in early to mid-April.
When can I buy sweet pea plants?
Buying Sweet Peas Delivery is when the plants are ready and the weather permits but is generally between the end of February and mid-June (for a late flowering show).
How long do sweet peas last in the garden?
Growing and planting Sweet Peas Is Easy and they are excellent cut flowers, the more you pick the more they’ll grow. There are two types of sweet pea. Annuals last for one season and everlasting perennial varieties return year after year, but are much less fragrant.
Are sweet peas Hardy?
Sweet Peas in Cold Weather Sweet peas are frost hardy annuals. So there is no need to worry if a “normal” overnight frost in the range -1 to -4 degrees centigrade is forecast.
Do sweet peas reseed themselves?
Plant Propagation: Sweet Peas are grown from seed. … For an indoor start, plant seeds 4 6 weeks before the last frost in your area. Garden Tip: Nick seeds and soak in water overnight, to speed germination. Once your plants have been established, they usually reseed themselves.
How do you keep sweet peas from growing too tall?
When the sweet peas have grown too tall for their supporting canes, untie all of them and lay the stems carefully on the ground, taking care not to snap the brittle stems. Next, re-tie stems to a cane further along the row, so the tip of the plant reaches about 30cm (12in) up its new cane.
Should I pinch my sweet peas?
The auxins will produce growth and for new and stronger growing tips. Pinching out sweet peas will provide you with more blooms for cutting. It’s one of the wonders of growing these delightful vines. The more blooms you cut, the more will grow, so don’t be afraid of pinching out your sweet peas to enjoy the bouquets.
How many sweet peas are in a hanging basket?
PlantFlower pouchEezee Hanging BasketPansy and Viola1012Petunia (trailing)88Primrose and Polyanthus1010Sweet Pea (trailing)1012
Can you grow sweet peas in a window box?
Sweet peas add color and scent to your window boxes and gardens. … Most varieties will grow up to five feet tall so do make sure you have a sturdy trellis or fence for the sweet peas to climb.
Do hummingbirds like sweet peas?
A staple of cottage gardens because of their colorful and fragrant flowers, hummingbirds are also drawn to sweet peas, especially plants with red or pink flowers.
Do Bees like sweet peas?
If you grow your own veg, try growing some sweet peas alongside your runner beans. Their fragrant, pastel flowers will attract bees and bumblebees, which will then go on to pollinate your vegetables. Sweet peas are also great for cutting and will add colour and fragrance to your home.
How big does a sweet pea Bush get?
This shrub grows in a loosely rounded mound that can be about 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) high and just as wide. Its attractive, grayish-green leaves are small—about an inch (2.5 centimeters) long—and they provide a pretty green canvas for this shrub’s brilliant display of purplish-pink, sweet pea-shaped flowers.