Sweetpeas

Lathyrus odoratus

vegetable

Sweetpeas are climbing or bushy annuals prized for their fragrant, colorful flowers and edible young pods. They are cool-season crops that bloom prolifically when temperatures remain moderate and are excellent for cutting, borders, and vertical structures. The dried seeds are toxic but young pods are edible.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Sweetpeas is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

warning

Yellow Leaveschevron_right

warning

Wiltingchevron_right

warning

Slow Growthchevron_right

warning

Curling Leaveschevron_right

Care Guide

light_mode

Light

Full sun (6–8 hours daily) essential for flowering and pod production. Some afternoon shade tolerated in hot climates.

water_drop

Water

Water regularly and deeply; 1–1.5 inches per week. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

compost

Soil

Well-draining, fertile loam with pH 6.0–7.0. Enrich with compost or aged manure before planting. Good structure supports vigorous growth and deep root development.

science

Fertiliser

Apply balanced fertilizer (5–10–10) at planting and every 2–3 weeks during growing season. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers.

thermometer

Temperature

Cool-season crop; thrives in temperatures 55–70°F. Plant in fall in warm regions or early spring in cool zones. Heat causes reduced flowering and early maturity.

humidity_percentage

Humidity

Moderate humidity preferred. Good air circulation essential to prevent fungal diseases; space plants adequately.

Toxicity

dangerousToxic to CatsdangerousToxic to DogsdangerousToxic to Children

Seeds and mature pods contain lathyrogens (toxic alkaloids). Young pods are edible but mature seeds are poisonous if ingested. Keep away from children and pets.

Common Diseases

coronavirusPowdery Mildewchevron_right coronavirusLeaf Spotchevron_right coronavirusBotrytischevron_right

Common Pests

pest_controlAphidschevron_right pest_controlSpider Miteschevron_right pest_controlThripschevron_right pest_controlSlugschevron_right

Seasonal Care

local_floristspring

Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

light_modesummer

Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

ecoautumn

Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

ac_unitwinter

Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.