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Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameSweet Pea

DescriptionBeloved fragrant annual vine with butterfly-shaped flowers in rainbow of pastel colors. Intensely sweet fragrance - one of most fragrant flowers. Climbing vine with delicate tendrils. Blooms spring to early summer in cool weather. Native to Sicily, now popular worldwide. Classic cottage garden flower and cut flower. Easy to grow from seed. ⚠️ WARNING: Seeds and plants toxic if eaten - not edible despite name.

FamilyFabaceae

GenusLathyrus

TribeVicieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr % ⚥ K(5) C1+2+(2) A(9)+1 G1

Ebracteate, zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming tube, 5 free petals in papilionaceous arrangement (1 standard + 2 wings + 2 keel petals fused), 10 stamens (9 fused into tube + 1 free), 1 carpel with superior ovary. Typical of Fabaceae family

Features

Name 'Sweet Pea' from delightful fragrance and pea-like flowers. Related to garden pea but NOT edible - seeds toxic (contain lathyrogens causing lathyrism). About 160 Lathyrus species. L. odoratus ('fragrant') cultivated since 1699. Thousands of varieties developed. Heirloom varieties most fragrant. Modern varieties bred for color, size, often less fragrant
Flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, butterfly-shaped (papilionaceous). 5 petals: 1 standard (banner), 2 wings, 2 keel petals (2+2+1 arrangement). Colors: pink, purple, red, white, lavender, blue, salmon, bicolors. Intensely fragrant (heirloom varieties). Blooms spring-early summer (April-June). Each stem has 3-5 flowers. Excellent cut flower
Annual climbing vine (some perennial species exist). Slender stems 3-8 feet long with tendrils for climbing. Compound leaves with 2-4 leaflets plus tendrils. Legume family - produces pea-like pods with 5-10 seeds. Seeds round, hard, brown/black. Entire plant toxic - never eat seeds or flowers
Grows 3-8 feet (1-2.5 m) tall, some varieties to 10 feet. Dwarf varieties 1-2 feet (bush type). Spread 1-2 feet. Lifespan 1 year (annual). Propagated from seed only. Seeds germinate in 10-14 days. Blooms 10-12 weeks from sowing. Deadhead for continuous blooms
Native to Sicily, southern Italy, Aegean Islands. Found in rocky areas, scrubland, coastal cliffs. Now cultivated worldwide in temperate zones. Thrives in cool climates - Mediterranean, Britain, Pacific Northwest, New Zealand. Struggles in heat and humidity
Requires full sun to partial shade (6+ hours sun). Needs cool weather - plant early spring or fall. Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Regular watering - keep moist. Fertilize monthly. Provide trellis, fence, or support. Hardy zones 2-11 (cool season annual). Stops blooming in heat - best spring flower
⚠️ WARNING: Entire plant toxic if eaten - seeds especially dangerous. Causes lathyrism (paralysis) if consumed regularly. Keep away from children and pets. Excellent cut flower - lasts 5-7 days, fragrance fills room. Attracts bees and butterflies. Classic cottage garden plant. Symbolizes blissful pleasure, departure, goodbye
Sow seeds in early spring (as soon as soil workable) or fall in mild climates. Nick or soak seeds overnight before planting. Plant 1 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart. Provide support immediately. Pinch tips when 4 inches tall for bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers daily for continuous blooms. Feed weekly. Stops blooming in heat - pull out and replant in fall

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificLathyrus odoratus

English (Alternate)Annual Sweet Pea, Perennial Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Sweet Pea

Hindiमीठी मटर (Meethi Matar)

Tamilஇனிப்பு பட்டாணி (Inippu, Pattani)

Teluguతీపి బఠానీ గింజ (tipi bathani ginnja)

Malayalamസ്വീറ്റ് പീ (Sweet pea)

Kannadaಸಿಹಿ ಬಟಾಣಿ ಹೂವು (Sihi Bataani Hoovu)

Sanskritमधुरकुष्माण्डः (Madhurakuṣmāṇḍaḥ)

Bengaliসুইট পি (Sweet Pea)

Frenchpois de senteur

Russianдушистый горошек (dushistyy goroshek)

Spanishguisante de olor

GermanDuftwicke, Duftende Platterbse

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.