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Plant Selector Guide
Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea)

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Plant Type: Annual
Uses: Climbing, Ornamental, Fragrance
Propagation: Seeds
Habit: Climbing
Light: Full Sun
Flower Color: Various
Blooms: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Width: 1.5 ft.
Height: 1.5 - 10 ft.
Fertility: Moderately Rich, Average
Soil: Neutral, Well-Drained
Zone: 1 - 11

Hardy Annual. Grown for its large clusters of fragrant flowers that appear in early spring. The original Lathyrus odoratus was brought to England from Sicily in the year 1699, so we can really call this one an "old-fashioned favorite"! The colorful flowers that we know today were developed in Victorian England. Be sure to soak the seeds overnight before planting to ensure germination and plant your seeds 2 inches deep. Enrich your soil with humus if it's not already that way. Deadhead to encourage more blooms. The flower clusters are followed by seed pods. As you can see by the range in heights, there are dwarf varieties of this species that are non-climbing. Should be grown in an area that is protected from drying winds.