Sweet Pea, Wild Pea, Vetchling
Lathyrus odoratus
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Lavender, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Lathyrus odoratus is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Not known
S. Europe - Italy, Sicily and Crete.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The seeds are rich in vitamin A, though the report does not say that the seeds are edible.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery. Nitrogen Fixer.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Arbor, Border, Container, Ground cover, Screen. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good well-drained garden soil, whether acid or alkaline. Prefers a position in full sun but it also does well in partial shade. A very ornamental plant, the sweet pea is often cultivated for its sweet smelling flowers, there are many named varieties. Plants climb by means of tendrils. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Special Features:Not North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers, Fragrant flowers.
Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can be sown in situ in mid spring. The seed can also be sown in situ in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual Climber
Hardiness: 2-11
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The seed contains a toxin that is easily extractable in cold water or alcohol. This toxin causes symptoms different to lathyrism (a disease of the nervous system caused by eating the seeds of certain members of this genus). Symptoms include reproduction failure and degenerative arthritis.