Sweet Peas

One of our most colorful annual vines is the Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odaratus). Growing to 6 feet or more, vines are adorned with clusters of multi-colored flowers that are fragrant and do well as cut flowers. Sweet Peas also come in bush-type varieties. Flower colors appear in a wide range and include red, pink, blue, purple, salmon and white.

Sweet Peas do well in cooler temperatures, and they thrive in our cool spring season. They withstand cold weather and it is possible to plant them in the garden now. They can be grown easily from either seeds or plant starts. If growing from seed, soak them in water a few hours or even overnight before planting. Seeds should be sown in peat pots so they can easily be transported to the ground. Seeds can be slow to germinate (sometimes up to two weeks) so be patient. It is good to sow several seeds per pot and keep the strongest start. They can be transplanted to the ground when they reach five or six inches. Direct sowing in the ground is also an option.

Plants like rich, loose soil so if you have compact soils that are poorly drained (such as dense clay), it would be best to incorporate a generous amount of compost or a soil amendment before planting. Cover the soil with a light layer of mulch and use wire netting or screens if birds are a problem. It is also wise to set out slug bait for protection against snails.

Provide support for vines to climb such as string or wire. When plants have grown six inches tall, pinch them lightly to encourage branching. Keep plants moist and fertilize with a high-phosphorous, low-nitrogen fertilizer. You should have flowers in about 4-5 weeks.

Keep in mind that all parts of the sweet pea plants are toxic to both humans and animals.