Lathyrus (Sweet Pea)

Lathyrus (Sweet Pea) features Lathyrus odoratus vines, dwarf forms from Sweet Pea Seeds, pollinator-friendly and container-suitable, thriving in full sun and free-draining soil; sow late winter–spring or after last frost.
Alphabetically, A-Z Alphabetically, A-Z
Filter
21 products

Shop By Flower Categories

Flower Deals

Shop now
447 products
Annual Flowers
20 products
Aster
4 products
Begonia
59 products
Biennial Flowers
15 products
Calendula
12 products
Carnation
3 products
Celosia
10 products
Chrysanthemum
3 products
Clarkia
5 products
Cleome
287 products
Container friendly Flowers
11 products
Cosmos
331 products
Cut Flowers
9 products
Delphinium
15 products
Dianthus
4 products
Dorotheanthus
70 products
Drought Tolerant Flowers
3 products
Echinacea
5 products
Eschscholzia (California Poppy)
441 products
Fast Growing Flowers
2 products
Gaillardia
9 products
Gypsophila
35 products
Helianthus (Sunflower)
3 products
Helichrysum
11 products
Ipomoea
21 products
Lathyrus (Sweet Pea)
8 products
Lavatera
9 products
Lupinus (Lupine)
12 products
Malope
40 products
Marigold
1 product
Matthiola
3 products
Mimulus
5 products
Myosotis (Forget-me-not)
3 products
Nemophila
5 products
Nigella
organic-badge
14 products
Organic Flowers
11 products
Papaver (Poppy)
98 products
Perennial Flowers
4 products
Phlox
15 products
Poppy
2 products
Portulaca
4 products
Rudbeckia
4 products
Scabiosa
195 products
Wildflowers

Bestselling Flower Seeds

Discover our all-time favorite flower seeds here — trusted by gardeners worldwide!

Shop now

Fragrant climbers for trellises and cutting gardens

Sweet Pea Seeds define a classic cool-season annual flower celebrated for long-stemmed blooms, velvety petals, and a heady perfume ideal for any cut flower garden. As Lathyrus odoratus, this vining annual delivers a generous flowering display on arches, obelisks, and trellis support, with options ranging from heritage Grandiflora sweet pea seeds to exuberant Spencer sweet pea seeds. The collection spans climbing and dwarf patio types, offering both abundant fragrance and a refined palette for borders and containers. Distinct from the perennial everlasting pea, these bee-friendly flowers enrich biodiversity while providing excellent vase life and a succession of blooms when well tended. Within this category, Lathyrus seeds and Sweetpea seeds include tones and forms suited to elegant arrangements and extended seasonal interest.

Growing Sweet Pea Seeds favours a full sun position and well-drained fertile soil, ideally neutral to slightly alkaline for sturdy growth and abundant trusses. Sowing can begin late winter to early spring under cover, with direct sowing after last frost; in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible for an earlier start. Many gardeners choose root trainers, with gentle pre-soaking or nicking seeds to aid germination, followed by hardening off before planting out. Provide reliable trellis support and consider light cordon training for straight, long stems; regular deadheading for more blooms helps extend the flowering window. Thoughtful spacing and pinching seedlings encourage branching, while succession sowing can maintain a steady flush of fragrant climber stems through the prime season.

For compact spaces, dwarf sweet pea seeds and other dwarf patio types perform well in containers, bringing a concentrated fragrance to small terraces and balconies, while climbing sweet pea seeds excel along fences and pergolas. This selection of Sweet Pea Seeds includes fragrant sweet pea seeds and sweet pea flower seeds chosen for both garden display and vase quality. By supporting pollinating insects and offering a prolonged flowering display, Sweet Pea Seeds contribute to vibrant, wildlife-friendly plantings that transition seamlessly from borders to the cutting bench, uniting classic charm with dependable performance across varied garden styles.

Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea)

Explore related flower seed categories to plan combinations and compare options around this selection. Start with the broader Flowers Seeds collection, then browse adjacent groups such as annuals, cut-flower types, climbers, and options suited to containers or quick displays. These links help locate companions like cosmos, zinnia, and sunflower, as well as genera with similar growth habits.

Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea)

Sweet peas are cool-season annual flowers grown as fragrant climbers. Choose full sun; in hot summers, give light afternoon shade. Plant in rich, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil, ideally neutral to slightly alkaline. Sow late winter to early spring under cover, or outdoors after the last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Pre-soak large seeds and start in deep modules or root trainers. Space plants 20–30 cm apart and provide sturdy support. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging, and feed lightly as buds form. Climbing types can reach 1.5–2.5 m, with dwarf forms for smaller spots; succession sowing extends the display.

  • Pre-soaking or gently nicking seeds can speed germination, especially where soils are cool.
  • Use deep pots or root trainers to accommodate the long taproot; minimise disturbance and harden off before planting out.
  • Provide trellis support; pinch seedlings at 2–3 leaf pairs and consider cordon training for longer, straighter stems; deadhead to promote more blooms.
  • Suitable for containers; choose dwarf patio types or a large, deep container with a wigwam/trellis, and keep compost evenly moist.
  • Bee-friendly flowers; avoid spraying insecticides during bloom and include some single, accessible blooms.
  • Ornamental focus: prized for scented, long-stemmed cut flowers; distinct from the unscented everlasting pea.

When should I sow Sweet Pea Seeds, and how do I start them successfully?

Sweet peas are a cool-season annual flower. Sow late winter to early spring under cover, or direct sow after the last frost when soil can be worked; in mild conditions, an autumn sowing may be possible for an early show. Use deep modules or root trainers filled with a well-drained, fertile mix. Pre-soaking or nicking seeds can aid germination but isn’t essential. Sow about 1–2 cm deep, keep evenly moist, and maintain cool, bright conditions (roughly 10–18°C). Avoid hot, dim rooms that cause leggy growth. Once seedlings are sturdy, harden off gradually before planting out in a full sun position with rich, moist but free-draining soil that’s neutral to slightly alkaline.

Do sweet peas need a trellis, and how tall do they grow?

Climbing sweet peas are fragrant climbers and vining annuals that typically reach about 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft) with support, while dwarf patio types stay near 30–45 cm (12–18 in) and often manage without a tall frame. Provide sturdy trellis support such as netting, canes, or a teepee before planting so young vines can latch on early. Tie in loosely as they ascend and add more ties during breezy spells. For exhibition-style, long-stemmed blooms, many growers try cordon training (a single stem tied to a cane), removing side shoots and tendrils. Full sun suits them best; in hot summers, light afternoon shade helps reduce stress.

What spacing should I use for Sweet Pea plants, and should I pinch the seedlings?

Space plants about 20–30 cm (8–12 in) apart in rich, moist but free-draining soil, ideally neutral to slightly alkaline. This distance balances airflow with a full display and works for rows or wigwams. Pinching seedlings when they have two to three true leaf pairs can encourage bushier growth and more flowering stems; nip out the tip just above a leaf node. If you plan to cordon train for long stems, you may skip pinching and instead remove side shoots as they form. Keep roots evenly moist with mulch and regular watering, and avoid excessive nitrogen, which can push foliage at the expense of blooms.

Can I grow Sweet Pea Seeds in containers, and how should I care for them?

Yes. Choose a large, deep container for climbers (around 20–30 L per group of plants) and add a sturdy obelisk or netting; dwarf patio types suit smaller pots. Use a high-quality, free-draining medium enriched with organic matter, and position in full sun with light afternoon shade in hot periods. Water consistently so the mix stays evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. A light, balanced feed during active growth supports flowering, but avoid overfeeding. Plant a few seedlings per pot with adequate spacing, and keep deadheading or cutting to sustain blooms across the season.

Are sweet peas good for pollinators, and do they make reliable cut flowers?

Sweet pea flowers are often bee-friendly, and their fragrance attracts visits; accessibility varies by variety, with simpler forms generally easier for pollinators to use. For cutting, harvest when the first bud on a stem has just opened for good vase life. Regular deadheading or picking promotes more blooms. Heritage varieties are noted for scent, while modern lines can offer exceptionally long stems. Cordon training, steady moisture, and timely harvesting help produce straight, long-stemmed blooms suitable for a cut flower garden.

Are sweet peas edible or toxic?

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are ornamental only and are not edible; seeds and other plant parts can be toxic if ingested. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. This plant is distinct from edible garden peas (Pisum sativum). The perennial “everlasting pea” (Lathyrus latifolius) is another ornamental relative and is also not grown for eating. Always label plants clearly to avoid confusion when sowing and harvesting.

Products are sourced from vetted producers and distributors, with documentation to verify provenance and compliance with applicable quality and phytosanitary requirements. Lots undergo routine checks for purity, viability, and labeling accuracy, and are handled under traceable, hygienic conditions. Growing guidance provided here is general and may vary with local microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. For exact specifications, handling, and sowing directions, refer to the individual product page and supplier documentation.

Fragrant climbers for trellises and cutting gardens

Sweet pea seeds produce twining annuals appreciated for their perfume and abundant blooms. Sow under cover in late winter to early spring in cooler conditions, or direct sow after the last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for earlier displays. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, free-draining soil. Provide netting, canes, or a trellis for vines to climb. Soak or lightly nick hard seed coats to aid germination, and plant 1–2 cm deep. Pinch young plants at 2–3 pairs of leaves to encourage branching. Water consistently, keeping soil evenly moist, and mulch to moderate temperature and retain moisture. Feed with a balanced fertilizer during growth. Remove faded blooms to prolong flowering and to maintain stem length for cutting. Available in a wide palette of pastels and bicolors, sweet peas suit borders, arches, and bouquets, and they also support pollinators with nectar-rich blossoms.

Flowers Seeds