Sweet peas (Lathryus odoratus) are annual or perennial flowering plants native to the Mediterranean region. They have been grown in the United States for more than 100 years and are available as bushes or vines. They work well in flower gardens, on trellises or as container plants, according to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.
Identification
Sweet pea bushes usually grow between 6 and 36 inches tall depending on the cultivar, while vines grow to approximately 6 feet in length. They have winged stems and compound leaves composed of two oval-shaped medium- or deep green leaflets. The plants produce fragrant clusters of blossoms that range in color from shades of purple to blue, pink, white or mixed colors. They are available in any color except for yellow. Flattened seed pods replace the flowers.
Types
Several different sweet pea varieties and many cultivars are commercially available. Some types such as Winter Elegance and Early Flowering bloom in winter in mild climates as long as they receive at least 10 hours of daylight; they bloom during the spring in colder climates. Antique and Heirloom sweet peas are older cultivars. They can tolerate high temperatures and have a more intense fragrance than modern varieties. Various cultivars are also available in small, medium and large plant sizes.
Caring for Sweet Peas
Sweet pea plants prefer full sunlight or light shade and well-drained, moist, nutrient-rich soils with pH levels between 7.0 and 7.5. They are cool-weather plants and cannot tolerate hot climates. They benefit from a layer of mulch to hold in moisture and keep the soil temperature cool. Sweet peas produce the best flowers if they receive regular applications of a high-phosphorus fertilizer. They do not need added nitrogen, however, since they can obtain nitrogen from the environment. They require regular watering during the growing season.
Considerations
Sweet pea pods are toxic if eaten in large quantities. The seeds produce a condition called lathyrism that is characterized by shallow breathing, a shallow pulse, paralysis and seizures. Powdery mildew infections create powdery white spots of fungus on the leaves, stems and blossoms, while pea enation virus, most common in northwestern states, causes yellowed or mottled leaves. Aphids are small insects that feed on sap from sweet pea leaves. They transmit the virus from one plant to another. Slugs and snails devour the foliage.
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