Sweet Peas~ Fragrant Beauties for the Garden

Vibrant sweet peas bloom in a lush garden, showcasing their delicate petals in shades of pink and red, as featured in the Farmers' Almanac.

The are few flowers as nostalgic and charming as sweet peas, Lathyrus odoratus,. Their delicate petals, ruffled blooms, and intoxicating fragrance evoke memories of cottage gardens, grandmother’s bouquets, and trellises dripping with color. Whether grown for cut flowers or to add vertical interest to the garden, sweet peas are a must-have for any gardener who loves beauty and scent. Their vegetable counterparts are as delicious as the flower varieties are beautiful but be cautious to not confuse the two uses.

A Brief History

Sweet peas have been cultivated since the 17th century when a Sicilian monk, Father Francis Cupani, first documented their existence, (Cashman Nursery, 2015). He sent seeds to England, where they became wildly popular among Victorian gardeners who developed countless varieties with larger blooms and enhanced fragrance. Today, sweet peas remain a staple in heirloom and modern gardens.

Digitaly restored image of an original antique engraving from The herball, or, Generall historie of plantes by John Gerard published in 1633-1636. istock images

Agricultural Statistics of the Sweet Pea Industry

The global sweet pea industry, particularly in cut flowers and edible peas, plays a significant role in agriculture. The worldwide production of edible peas, including sweet peas, exceeds 18 million metric tons annually, with Canada, China, and Russia leading production. In the United States, pea production covers over 300,000 acres, with major growing regions in the Pacific Northwest and northern states such as Montana and North Dakota (USDA, 2023). The floral industry sees millions of sweet pea stems sold annually, with high demand in Europe and North America for cut flowers. The average market price for fresh edible peas fluctuates between $300 to $500 per metric ton, depending on quality and seasonality. Sweet peas continue to be a valuable crop, both for culinary and ornamental purposes, contributing to diverse agricultural economies worldwide.

How to Grow Sweet Peas

Sweet peas thrive in cool weather and require some planning for success. Here are the key steps to growing these delightful flowers:

Choosing Seeds: Select from heirloom varieties for the most fragrance or modern hybrids for larger, showier blooms. Some beloved varieties include ‘King’s High Scent,’ Candy Floss,’ and ‘Windsor. ‘The Flower People is a Pacific Northwest based flower farm that grows beautiful varieties of these high-quality seeds. Eden Brothers also has a large variety of beautiful heirlooms. Some vegetable variety stand outs include Little Green Marvel (Baker Creek), Alaska (West Coast Seeds), Green Arrow (Territorial Seeds) and Oregon Sugar Pod (Gurneys).

Planting Time: In mild climates, sweet peas can be sown in fall for an early spring bloom. In colder regions, plant them as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.

Soil Preparation: Sweet peas prefer rich, well-draining soil with added compost or aged manure. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH promotes healthy growth.

Soaking and Germination: To speed up germination, soak seeds overnight or nick them with a file before planting. Sow them about an inch deep and a few inches apart. Using a plastic baggie and damp paper towel to wrap them will create the perfect germinating environment.

Providing Support: Most sweet peas are vigorous climbers and need a trellis, fence, or netting to scramble up. Dwarf varieties can be grown in containers without support.

Watering and Feeding: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer encourages flower production over leafy growth.

Deadheading and Cutting: Regularly removing spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering. Sweet peas also make excellent cut flowers, filling the home with their signature fragrance.

Common issues with Sweet peas is that they can be susceptible to powdery mildew, aphids, and root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. Proper air circulation, companion planting, and organic pest control methods help keep these problems at bay.

A vibrant display of sweet peas showcasing their dual versatility as both a colorful flower and a nutritious vegetable.

A Flower AND Vegetable Worth Growing

With their unparalleled scent and old-fashioned charm, sweet peas bring romance to any garden. Whether trailing up a rustic fence or brightening a bouquet, these delicate blooms remind us of the simple pleasures found in nature’s beauty. Start a patch of sweet peas this season, and you’ll be rewarded with a bounty of color and fragrance to enjoy all spring and early summer. A heeping bowl of the green nuggets are also a nutritional treat.

Sweet Pea Recipe and Nutritional Value

While ornamental sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are not edible, edible garden peas (Pisum sativum), often referred to as sweet peas, provide a nutritious and delicious addition to meals. Sweet peas are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a wonderful addition to a balanced diet. They are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt while rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. A side benefit is the benefit of promoting weight loss and reducing cardiac risk, (Medical News Today, 2023).

Sweet peas are a versatile and valuable plant, offering both ornamental beauty and nutritious edible varieties. As a flower, they bring color, fragrance, and elegance to gardens and bouquets. As a vegetable, edible peas provide essential nutrients and culinary versatility. Whether grown for their charming blooms or as a food source, sweet peas remain a beloved staple in gardens and agriculture alike.

Simple Sweet Pea Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen sweet peas

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. If using frozen peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine peas, red onion, feta cheese, and mint.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.

4. Toss gently and serve chilled.

Learn about the different types of table vegetable peas by The Rusted Garden, Gary Pilachik

References

Cashman Nursery. (2015). History of sweet peas. Retrieved from https://cashmannursery.com/gardening-tips/2015/history-of-sweet-peas/

Medical News Today. (2023). Peas: Nutrition, benefits, and how to eat them. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peas-nutrition

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2023). Plant guide for Pisum sativum. Retrieved from https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pisa6.pdf