sweet pea, (Lathyrus odoratus), annual plant of the pea familypea family legume, also called pod, fruit of plants in the pea family (Fabaceae). Most legumes are dehiscent fruits that release their seeds by splitting open along two seams, though some, such as peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and carobs (Ceratonia siliqua), do not naturally open. › science › legume

legume | Definition & Examples | Britannica

(Fabaceae), widely cultivated for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. Hundreds of varieties of sweet pea have been developed and are grown as garden ornamentals or are grown commercially for the floral industry.

Is sweet pea a flower or vegetable?

The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a hardy annual flower in the legume family, Fabaceae. Although related to the green pea (Pisum sativum), they are not the same. The sweet pea is a climbing plant, which produces sturdy flower-filled stems along the vine, making them an excellent cut flower.

Why is it called sweet pea flower?

Sweet pea is a native of the China family of Pulses. The two words in the flower's scientific name, “Lathyrus odoratus,” mean “fragrant” and also “very attractive.” That meaning makes a lot of sense! ... The flower was commonly cultivated for its sweet fragrance and quickly became a part of floral arrangements.

Which flower name is sweet pea?

Lathyrus odoratus, commonly called sweet pea, is a bushy or climbing annual that features highly fragrant flowers (odoratus meaning fragrant) on winged stems clad with medium to dark green leaflets in pairs.

Are sweet peas wildflowers?

Sweet Pea are also considered wildflowers. Once established, they will thrive and spread easily. If in a flower garden, they can get out of hand easily and overcrowd other flowers. Tip: To keep the flowers blooming, pick spent blooms before the seed begins to form.

Sweet Peas | Why Sarah Loves them and how to cut them

16 related questions found

Are sweet peas perennials?

Everybody loves sweet peas, but new plants have to be raised every year from seed. These are the colourful cousins, perennials that grow happily through trellis or scramble through shrubs, and flower all summer long – every summer.

Is sweet pea flower edible?

Some people were concerned about sweet peas being edible. There is an ornamental flowering sweet pea that is NOT edible. But these vines and flowers are from the sweet pea vegetable so can be eaten. I have seen sweet pea vines at Whole Foods or Farmers Markets for over $3 a pound.

Where do sweet pea flowers grow?

The sweet pea flower (Lathyrus odoratus) is an annual climbing plant that is in the genus Lathyrus, a member of the Fabaceae, or legume family. It is native to the Mediterranean including southern Italy, the Aegean Island region, Sicily, and Cyprus.

Are sweet peas and green peas the same?

Garden peas are also sometimes called sweet peas or English peas. The pods are firm and rounded, and the round peas inside need to removed, or shelled, before eating (the pods are discarded). The peas are sweet and may be eaten raw or cooked; these are the common peas that are sold shelled and frozen.

Do sweet pea flowers produce peas?

Like edible peas, sweet pea plants grow on vines and produce pods containing seeds that can be planted to grow plants the next year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. The major differences are that their flowers are highly fragrant and the peas are poisonous and you should not eat them.

Are sweet peas orchids?

It blooms late spring to summer. ... Each flower is a perfect tiny orchid shape, aligned in a straight row of spray on its vine. Perennial sweet peas are great as cut flowers in arrangements as a small bouquet, or using the entire dramatic vine with its spray of sweet pea blooms.

What does it mean when a guy calls you sweet pea?

A 'sweet pea' is a type of flower (very pretty and smells nice). It is a nice image. So when you call someone a sweet pea it is a term of affection.

Why do my sweet peas not flower?

The reason your sweet peas are not blooming is often because of lack of sun, high temperatures or too much fertilizer. Sweet peas are native to the Mediterranean and flower best in full sun, medium to low nutrient soil with regular watering. Heat waves can also temporarily prevent blooming.

When Should sweet peas flower?

The main flowering season for sweet peas is June and July but they can start earlier or go on later, depending on when you sowed and planted them . Keep watering, feeding and deadheading to prolong their season.

Do Sweet peas come back every year?

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) only live for a year, dying after setting seed. But don't let this put you off as they are super easy to grow from seed. Perennial species such as Lathyrus latifolius come back year after year, but mostly lack fragrance and there are fewer to choose from.

Do Sweet peas need a trellis?

Because Sweet Peas are vining, they need support to grow up and flower. Many types of structures can work such as a trellis, supports with mesh or twine, or fences. They need a structure that is well anchored in the ground to support the weight of the vines.

Are sweet pea flowers toxic?

Although garden peas, (Pisum sativum) such as English peas, edible podded peas and snow peas are edible, sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are poisonous - especially the flowers and seeds. ... The flowers can be fragrant.

What color are sweet pea flowers?

Sweet peas are climbing plants that bear clusters of flowers in a wide variety of colors including red, pink, blue, white and lavender. The stems appear folded and the flowers resemble fringed butterflies. The old-fashioned varieties were selected for their vibrant colors and intense fragrance.

Are sweet peas legumes?

Peas are in the group of foods known as legumes. Legumes are plants that produce pods with seeds, or beans, inside.

Can edible peas have pink flowers?

Pea – Edible garden peas (Pisum sativum) produce edible flowers that look great in salads. ... The perennial type bears pink to white flowers with five petals that have a pleasant, peppery flavour. They look great and taste great in fruit salads.

Why can't you eat garden pea pods?

The pods of garden peas, or sweet peas, are not eaten. For best quality and to preserve nutrients, only preserve what you and your family can eat in one year. ... To successfully freeze peas they need to be blanched. Water blanching is best for fresh peas.

Are sweet peas toxic to dogs?

Any of these plants can be considered toxic to your dog, cat, or other small animals. Although they sound like they should be edible, sweet pea plants are not food. As a matter of fact, they contain the toxic chemical called aminoproprionitrile, which causes musculoskeletal and central nervous system problems.

Will deer eat sweet pea flowers?

PattyinStLouis. I have old fashioned sweet peas that climb. The deer occasionally taste them and eat the buds, but do not mow them down, so they must not be a favorite of theirs, as they eat everything around them.