What is a sweet pea?
The sweet pea— Lathyrus odoratus —is an annual flower that is at home in a cutting garden, border garden, woodland, or twining on a trellis or an arch. The flowers are now available in a huge range of colors, from pearly white through ice cream pastels to ritzy magentas and inky purples.
What is the strongest scented sweet pea plant?
Deservedly popular, it is reported to be the strongest scented Sweet Pea in the world and is more heat tolerant than most. This Grandiflora Sweet Pea is a lovely addition to the garden and perfect for containers where the brilliance of its blossoms and their terrific fragrance can be enjoyed.
Do sweet peas have a fragrance?
From a fragrance standpoint, not all sweet peas are equal. Some exude a faint scent, others are well scented, and some are intensely fragrant. According to researchers, the fragrance of sweet peas is determined by six major components and 12 minor ones.
What are the most popular pea varieties?
One of the most popular pea varieties is the ‘Lincoln’ garden pea. This is an English heirloom introduced in the early 1900s. Gardeners know that ‘Lincoln’ plants produce huge yields of tasty peas. ‘Lincoln’ peas handle warmer weather than other varieties, so they’re great for summer growing or those living in southern climates.
What are the tastiest peas?
Here are some of the best options out there.Alaska. If you want an early garden pea variety that is perfect for short growing seasons, consider growing 'Alaska' peas. ... Avola. ... Canoe. ... Capucigner. ... Desiree Dwarf. ... Green Beauty. ... Hurst Green Shaft. ... Kelvedon Wonder.More items...
What is the sweetest shelling pea?
Green Arrow Pea is a favorite home garden variety! This pea is an excellent sweet garden pea variety with high yields and is resistant to many pea diseases. Green Arrow is an excellent variety that is ideal for shelling and eating fresh.
Is there such thing as a sweet pea?
Sweet Peas (properly called Lathyrus odoratus) are one of the great plants for cutting, and they provide irresistible colors and fragrance for spring and early summer bouquets. The delicate flowers are available in a wide range of rich colors, and they scent the air with grapelike perfume.
What is the best pea seed?
Six of the best peas to growPea 'Avola' 'Avola' is hardy first early pea. ... Pea 'Canoe' 'Canoe' is a maincrop pea that bears long, slightly curved and pointed pods containing up to up 12 peas, on almost leafless stems, making for easy picking. ... Pea 'Kelvedon Wonder' ... Pea 'Hurst Green Shaft'
What are the best sweet peas to grow?
Six of the best scented sweet peas.Lathyrus odoratus 'Linda Carole' Launched by Derek Heathcote who has produced some fine varieties since he started his business in 1992. ... Lathyrus odoratus 'Matucana' ... Lathyrus odoratus 'Our Harry. ... Sweet Pea 'Valerie Harrod. ... Grandiflora Sweet Peas.
Are Green Arrow peas sweet?
Green Arrow Pea is a favorite home garden variety! This pea is an excellent sweet garden pea variety with high yields and is resistant to many pea diseases.
How do you tell the difference between peas and sweet peas?
0:181:35Is There a Difference Between Sweet Peas & Sugar Snap Peas? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother type of pea is the sugar snap pea. And these snap. When you break them open the pod and theMoreAnother type of pea is the sugar snap pea. And these snap. When you break them open the pod and the pea inside are both sweet tasty and edible. This is a snow pea.
How many varieties of sweet peas are there?
The Lathyrus genus consists of more than 150 species. Some favorites include Lathyrus odoratus (the only one to be scented) and Lathyrus latifolius (the unscented perennial sweet pea).
How toxic are sweet peas?
Sweet Pea Toxicity The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous, containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. Symptoms of Lathyrus are paralysis, labored breathing, and convulsions.
Are sugar snap peas the same as sweet peas?
The main difference in regard to flavor is their level of sweetness. Snow peas are a slightly tender — yet crisp — sweet pea. Sugar snap peas are also tender yet crisp but tend to have a sweeter flavor profile, as they're crossed with the garden pea. In fact, they're often considered the most flavorful variety of pea.
What are Alaska peas?
The Alaska Pea is a super-early variety that thrives in colder temperatures! This pea is a semi-dwarf variety that grows to an average height of 3' and is a decent producer once flowering begins. Alaska's pods produce 5-7 peas per pod that offers a sweet and delicious flavor.
Are super sugar snap peas stringless?
Super Sugar Snap And yes, they're stringless! There are not many tall sugar snap pea varieties, so if you're looking for a tall climber, Super Sugar Snap (or even the original Sugar Snap) should be your first choice. Intermediate resistance to both pea leaf roll virus and powdery mildew. Highly recommended.
How many lavender flowers per stem?
Strongly scented, Lathyrus odoratus 'Lady Grisel Hamilton' is an elegant climbing annual with usually 3-4 lavender flowers per stem. A very desirable variety, each blossom is adorned with a hooded standard. This Grandiflora Sweet Pea is a lovely addition to the garden and perfect for containers where its rich perfume can be enjoyed. Ideal for providing cut flowers that will fill your home with their heady perfume too. Introduced in 1898, this heirloom variety remains as popular today as ever.
What is a grandiflora sweet pea?
This Grandiflora Sweet Pea is a lovely addition to the garden and perfect for containers where its rich perfume can be enjoyed. Ideal for providing cut flowers that will fill your home with their heady perfume too. Introduced in 1904, this heirloom variety remains as popular today as ever.
What is the most fragrant sweet pea?
A favorite heirloom Sweet Pea variety, Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupani' is the most primitive form of Sweet Pea known but also one of the most fragrant. Discovered in 1695 by a Sicilian monk, Father Francis Cupani, who found this intensely scented wild Sweet Pea growing near his monastery, this very attractive Sweet Pea features violet and deep crimson blooms. It is often confused with 'Matucana' which usually bears four flowers per stem, and larger flowers reminiscent of the grandiflora varieties. 'Cupani' bears only two flowers per stem, has noticeably smaller flowers but their color and fragrance are much more intense. 'Cupani' is reported to be more heat tolerant than most Sweet Peas. Since it self-sows, it will remain present in your garden and provide year after year a colorful show.
What is the darkest pea?
Strongly scented, Lathyrus odoratus ' Black Knight' is a vigorous climbing annual with usually 3-4 striking, dark maroon flowers per stem. Regarded as one of the darkest varieties, this early Grandiflora Sweet Pea is a lovely addition to the garden and perfect for containers where its rich perfume can be enjoyed.
What is Spencer Sweet Pea?
Very popular with cut flower growers, this Spencer Sweet Pea is a lovely addition to the garden and perfect for containers where its dramatic blossoms and rich perfume can be enjoyed. Ideal for providing cut flowers that will fill your home with their heady perfume too. Add to Collection. Add to Any Collection.
When was Grandiflora Sweet Pea introduced?
Ideal for providing cut flowers that will fill your home with their heady perfume too. Introduced in 1898, this heirloom variety remains as popular today as ever. Add to Collection.
Where do sweet peas grow?
Blooming in a wide array of enchanting colors, sweet peas deserve a spot in sunny borders, containers, on arches and trellises where they will happily twine and release their heavenly scent.
How to keep sweet peas from dropping?
If you put your finger into the soil bed to its first joint and the soil is dry: water them at the soil level and do so in the morning; sweet peas can suffer from bud drop. If you use plenty of aged manure and compost when planting, you do not need to fertilize.
What is a sweet pea?
The sweet pea— Lathyrus odoratus —is an annual flower that is at home in a cutting garden, border garden, woodland, or twining on a trellis or an arch. The flowers are now available in a huge range of colors, from pearly white through ice cream pastels to ritzy magentas and inky purples.
What is the sweetest flower in April?
This is when their scent is the sweetest. Sweet peas are one of the April birth flowers. “The odor of the sweet pea is so offensive to flies that it will drive them out of a sick-room, though not in the slightest degree disagreeable to the patient.”. –A tip from The 1899 Old Farmer’s Almanac. Sweet Pea.
Why were sweet peas important to Victorian gardens?
The sweet pea is an essential member of a late-Victorian garden. Victorians loved sweet peas for their color diversity and fragrance.
How high do sweet peas climb?
Except for the bush types, sweet peas are real climbers. Give them at least 6 feet of good support. Some varieties may climb to 9 or 10 feet.
How to grow sweet peas in the sun?
Sweet peas are happiest with their heads in the sun and their roots deep in cool, moist soil. When possible, plant low-growing annuals in front of them to shade their roots. Choose a well-drained site. Alkaline soil is best; sprinkle some powdered lime on the surface if your soil tends to be acidic.
What is the scent of sweet peas?
In their native Sicily, these ornamental peas have weak stems and an intense orange-jasmine-honey scent. Modern hybrids are stronger-stalked and have larger blooms.
How to keep peas from chewing on the stem?
They chew stems, roots, and leaves. Place a 3-inch paper collar around the stem of the plant. Keep the garden free of weeds; sprinkle wood ash around the base of plants. For a full listing of potential problems with peas, please click here.
What to plant in fall?
Fall crops can be disappointing if hot weather persists. Powdery-mildew-resistant varieties are best for fall crops. Consider intercropping peas with fast-growing cool-season crops such as spinach or radishes. Use raised beds if your soil is slow to drain.
How to seed a trellis?
A quick way to seed is to make a furrow or trench with a hoe, place seed in the furrow, cover, and firm. DO NOT thin the seedlings. Erect trellis for tall-growing, vining types at planting time. You can use chicken wire, brush or other suitable trellis material.
What are the legumes in the Lincoln Shell family?
They are actually a part of the legume family, which consists of plants that produce pods with seeds inside. Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peanuts are also all legumes. If you’d like to give this legume a try in your garden, grab some Lincoln Shell Sweet Peas and follow our quick and easy growing guide!
Why are sweet peas good for kids?
Sweet peas are always a good starter for helping get children interested in gardening and eating their vegetables. The sweet mild flavor is preferable to younger palates and most varieties of peas grow quickly, so children won’t have to wait long to taste the fruits of their labor.
How to know when peas are ready?
Once they are ready, start picking immediately because this will encourage the plant to produce more peas. You will know your peas are ready when the pod looks green, shiny, and puffy.
Where do flies lay their eggs?
The flies lay eggs in the soil near the seedling or plant. Apply lime or wood ashes around the base of plants and try to time your planting to avoid the insect growth cycle by planting a bit later when the weather is drier. Plants are eaten or cut off near soil level: Cutworms could be the culprit.
What is the most popular pea plant?
Expect the plants to produce a large harvest with small pods that contain up to eight peas in each. 9. Lincoln. One of the most popular pea varieties is the ‘Lincoln ’ garden pea. This is an English heirloom introduced in the early 1900s. Gardeners know that ‘Lincoln’ plants produce huge yields of tasty peas.
What are peas used for?
This plant produces small pods that you can pick when they’re as tiny as snow peas, but these are English (garden) peas. When left to plump up, the peas are perfect for soups or stews.
What are sugar snap peas?
Sugar snap peas are a cross between English peas and snow peas. The pods are crisp and edible, so you don’t have to shell them, but the seeds plump up. You get the best of both worlds with this type of peas.
What is a Desiree dwarf?
‘Desiree Dwarf’ is a unique pea plant because it produces beautiful, violet-blue pods on little bush plants. You don’t have to provide support or staking for these plants, so they’re perfect for containers or small gardens.
How long does it take for peas to mature?
Canoe. ‘Canoe’ peas mature in 70 days, and they produce pods that are full of peas. Sometimes, a single pod holds up to 12 sweet peas in long, curved pods. The shape of the pods is how this pea variety received its name. This is a highly productive English variety that grows on nearly leafless stems.
What is the best pea plant for short growing seasons?
Alaska. If you want an early garden pea variety that is perfect for short growing seasons, consider growing ‘ Alaska ‘ peas. These plants produce large yields on tall vines. The catch is you have to make sure to provide support. Alaska peas are an English heirloom variety that dates back to the 1880s.
How tall do Avola peas grow?
Avola. ‘Avola’ is a cold-hardy, early maturing English pea variety that grows on compact plants that only reach up to two feet tall. These are perfect for container gardening or small-space gardens. Despite their size, ‘Avola’ pea plants produce large yields of tender pods that contain up to eight sweet peas.
How tall do Thomas Laxton peas get?
Thomas Laxton. With a moderately sweet taste, Thomas Laxton peas are a real hit if you want juicy, plump peas. You can expect pods to grow up to 4 inches in length and on average of 8 or 9 peas inside. Their vines are rather long and can grow to 3 feet tall. Be sure to have a proper climbing apparatus for this variety.
How many peas per pod?
If you’re someone who want large peas, this is a great variety as there are usually between 6 and 8 peas per pod . The vines of Spring peas will reach about 2 feet tall and they are ready 60 days after you plant them.
How tall are sugar snap peas?
Sugar Snap peas are incredibly sweet and produce an amazing amount of peas. Sugar Snap peas are a very tall pea plant. Make sure you have room for the 6-foot tall vines as they can quickly take over the garden.
How big do little Marvel peas get?
Little Marvel. Perfect for smaller backyard gardens, Little Marvel peas only grow about 2 feet in size. Their pods are a nice 3 inches long, and 7 to 8 pods are in each pea. In 65 days your peas will be ready to eat and when you bite into them you’ll find a tender texture and a sweet taste.
How long does it take for a Maestro pea pod to be ready?
If you want an endless supply of peas, the Maestro variety won’t let you down. They are ready in 60 days so you won’t have to wait long, and once they are ready, you’ll be rewarded with sweet-tasting peas. Maestro pea pods are quite long, measuring 4 ½ inches. They have 10 to 11 peas inside, which are medium-sized.
What type of peas are the most common?
The most common type of pea are those under the umbrella of English peas. These garden peas are easy to grow. Just carve out some time for shelling peas as the pods are tough and inedible.
How long does it take for a survivor pea to grow?
With a sweet, but no too-sweet, taste, Survivor peas are still a tasty treat. They have a lot of peas in their pod, up to 8 or 9. Survivor peas take about 70 days to grow. Once they are ready, you will notice that their vines are close together and reach about 2 feet tall.