Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Alaska Blue'
ABOUT
The Sweet Pea 'Alaska Blue' is a flowering plant celebrated for its captivating beauty and pleasant scent. It displays a charming array of blooms that captivate the gaze with a combination of deep blue and purple hues, giving a mesmerizing look when displayed en masse. The petals exhibit a gradient of color, often with a lighter tone at their base, progressing to a rich, velvety blue or purple at the edges. Occasionally, a hint of a delicate white marking can be seen, further enhancing their striking appearance. Each flower is composed typically of an upright standard, or banner petal, which is flanked by two smaller wing petals on each side, creating a symmetrical fan-shaped form. Beneath these, the keel petals enclose the reproductive parts of the flower. Sweet Pea 'Alaska Blue' flowers commonly grow in clusters on slender, twining stems that gracefully reach out, intertwining with supports and neighboring plants. The foliage is also attractive, with the leaves divided into pairs of leaflets which are a fresh, medium green color. These leaflets are oblong, with a pointed tip, and a light vein pattern may be discernible. Stems are complemented with coiling tendrils that aid the plant in anchoring to its support as it climbs. This variety of Sweet Pea is well-loved not only for its visual appeal but also for its aromatic qualities. The flowers emit a sweet, rich fragrance that is particularly noticeable in the early morning and evening or when warmed by the sun. This scent, combined with the striking color of the blooms, makes Sweet Pea 'Alaska Blue' a cherished addition to any garden that aims to stimulate both the visual and olfactory senses.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Sweetpea, Perennial Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea is a plant with seeds that are toxic if ingested in large quantities. While the flowers are often not considered highly poisonous to people, the seeds contain a compound known as lathyrogens which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in large amounts or over a prolonged period. Lathyrism is a neurological disease that can lead to symptoms such as weak limbs, paralysis, and potentially irreversible damage to the nervous system. It is important to avoid ingesting the seeds of the sweet pea plant to prevent these serious health consequences.
To pets
Sweet pea can also be toxic to pets if they ingest the seeds. As with humans, the primary toxic constituent in sweet pea seeds is lathyrogens. If a pet consumes a significant amount of sweet pea seeds, they may experience lathyrism, presenting with symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, convulsions, and even paralysis. The severity of the condition can vary based on the amount of seeds ingested and the size of the pet. Pet owners should ensure their animals do not have access to sweet pea seeds in order to avoid these possible harmful effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a splash of vivid blue color to gardens which can be visually pleasing.
- Fragrance: Known for its sweet aroma, enhancing the sensory experience in garden spaces.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, providing a habitat and food source for beneficial insects.
- Cut Flowers: Suitable for cutting and use in floral arrangements, adding beauty indoors.
- Vertical Interest: Vining habit allows it to climb, which can add height and structure to garden designs.
- Easy to Grow: Considered a user-friendly plant that is relatively easy for gardeners to cultivate.
- Fast Growing: Rapid growth rate means it quickly fills in the space and provides coverage.
- Cottage Garden Classic: Fits well into cottage garden schemes, adding a traditional and romantic feel.
- Edible Flowers: The blossoms can be used as an edible garnish, though the seeds and some parts are toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: Sweet pea petals can be used to produce natural dyes, giving fabrics and yarns a lovely hue without the use of synthetic chemicals.
- Education and Science: Sweet peas are often used in educational settings to teach genetics due to their variety of colors and ease of breeding.
- Companion Planting: Sweet peas can be used in gardens to help support and enhance the growth of vegetables by attracting pollinators and potentially deterring certain pests.
- Floral Art and Design: Their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance make sweet peas popular in floral arrangements and as subjects in botanical art.
- Garden Borders: Sweet peas can be used to create attractive, scented borders along walkways or garden edges.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried sweet pea petals serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional confetti at events such as weddings.
- Summer Pergolas and Arbors Decoration: Climbing sweet pea varieties like 'Alaska Blue' can be used to create living, scented canopies over garden structures.
- Scented Sachets: Dried sweet pea flowers can be put into sachets to naturally scent drawers and closets.
- Natural Pest Control: While they don't have any scientifically proven pesticidal properties, some gardeners plant sweet peas to create a diverse environment that could help keep pest populations in check.
- Photo Backdrops: The lush green foliage and colorful flowers of sweet peas make a beautiful backdrop for outdoor photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sweet Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sweet Pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: The sweet pea, known for its sweet fragrance, is often associated with experiencing bliss and delight.
- Goodbye: In the language of flowers, giving someone sweet peas can signify a farewell or goodbye, possibly implying a desire for the recipient to have a pleasant journey.
- Thankfulness: Sweet peas can also be given to express gratitude for a shared time or experience.
- Delicate Pleasures: The flower symbolizes delicate pleasures or tender moments that are enjoyed in life.
- Lasting Pleasure: As the sweet pea lingers in one's garden with its fragrance and beauty, it can represent lasting pleasure or the wish for an enduring enjoyment of life's happiness.
WaterSweet peas require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, particularly during dry spells. For established plants, a deep watering of about 1 gallon per square yard per week is generally sufficient. It's best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation and to prevent mildew by allowing the foliage to dry before nightfall. During hot spells or in very sandy soils, you may need to water sweet peas more frequently. Always adjust watering based on rainfall, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sun conditions, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers. Too little light can lead to weak, leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer cool to moderate temperatures with ideal growing conditions between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F for short periods and can survive up to 75°F, though prolonged heat can reduce blooming. In hot climates, sweet peas benefit from afternoon shade to protect them from the heat.
PruningRegular pruning, or deadheading, encourages sweet peas to produce more flowers and prevents seed formation which can signal the plant to stop blooming. Snip off spent blooms and seed pods weekly during the blooming season. The best time for more extensive pruning to shape the plants or to control growth is in the late fall or early spring before the growing season begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Sweet Pea 'Alaska Blue' should be well-draining and fertile. A mix of loam, compost, and a little sand to improve drainage is ideal. This plant prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH, between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingSweet Pea 'Alaska Blue' is an annual plant and usually does not require repotting. It is sown directly into the ground or a container where it will live out its lifecycle in one season.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Alaska Blue' prefers moderate humidity levels but is fairly adaptable. It thrives best in an environment that mimics its native conditions, without the need for high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure sufficient air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, space 6-8 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Alaska Blue' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in early spring or late winter under cover for early blooms, will germinate in warm, moist soil. The seedlings emerge in one to three weeks, depending on conditions, with two initial leaves (cotyledons) that develop into a vine with compound leaves. Sweet pea vines will start to climb using their tendrils and require support to thrive, reaching maturity and beginning to flower around 12-15 weeks after planting. The flowers, which are notable for their fragrance and deep blue color, will bloom throughout the summer if deadheaded regularly and maintained properly. After pollination, typically by bees and butterflies, the plant will produce pods containing seeds, which can be harvested once they dry on the plant. At the end of the growing season, the sweet pea 'Alaska Blue' completes its annual life cycle, with the parent plant dying off after seed production, and these seeds can be collected for the next planting season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Sweet Pea 'Alaska Blue' is by sowing seeds. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is either in late fall or early spring, depending on the climate. In milder regions, autumn sowing gives the plants a head start, leading to stronger, earlier blooms. To propagate by seed, first, nick the seed coat with a file or soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to improve germination rates. Then, plant the seeds about an inch deep (approximately 2.5 centimeters) in well-draining soil and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart (5 to 7.5 centimeters). Ensure that they're in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Seedlings should appear within 10 to 21 days, and while they prefer cooler temperatures to start, they will need protection from hard frosts.
