Lathyrus odoratus

Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) — the deliciously fragrant “queen of annuals,” a Sicilian climber transformed by Victorian breeders. The botanical home of our sweet pea range.

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Lathyrus odoratus — the sweet pea

Lathyrus odoratus, the sweet pea, is a climbing annual treasured above almost all others for its ruffled, intensely fragrant flowers. It is the species behind our sweet pea range within the flower seed collection and a star of any cutting garden.

History & origin

The wild sweet pea is native to Sicily and southern Italy. In 1699 a Sicilian monk, Franciscus Cupani, sent seed to England, where the flower slowly gathered a following. Its great moment came in the Victorian era, when the Scottish nurseryman Henry Eckford bred it into hundreds of larger, more colourful and beautifully scented varieties — turning a modest wildflower into the “queen of annuals” and one of the best-loved cottage-garden flowers.

Its name celebrates that scent: Lathyrus is the old Greek name for pea and pulse plants, and odoratus means “fragrant.”

Botanical characteristics

A tendril climber reaching two metres or more, the sweet pea bears clusters of winged flowers in almost every colour but true yellow, many gloriously scented. As a legume it is related to edible peas and beans, though its seeds are ornamental only and not for eating. Its height and habit make it a natural for our climbing flowers, while the long stems and perfume make it a cut-flower classic.

Growing Lathyrus odoratus from seed

Sweet peas are sown in autumn or early spring, often after soaking the hard seed to speed germination. Give them a sturdy support to climb from the start, rich soil and plenty of water, and — the golden rule — pick the flowers constantly: the more you cut, the more the plant produces. Our flower growing guide and plant supports guide cover sowing and training.

Ready to grow sweet peas? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Sweet Pea · Climbing Flowers · Cut Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lathyrus odoratus?
It is the botanical name for the sweet pea, a fragrant climbing annual.

Where do sweet peas originate?
From Sicily and southern Italy; they were popularised in England from 1699 and bred extensively in the Victorian era.

What does the name mean?
Lathyrus is the old Greek name for pea plants and odoratus means “fragrant.”

Are sweet pea seeds edible?
No — sweet peas are ornamental only and their seeds should not be eaten.

How do I get more flowers?
Pick them constantly — the more you cut, the more the plant blooms.