Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Duo Salmon'
ABOUT
The Sweet Pea variety 'Duo Salmon' is a flowering plant renowned for its striking blossoms and pleasant fragrance. The flowers have a unique dual-tone appearance, showcasing a blend of salmon pink shades that can captivate any plant lover's attention. Their petals are soft to the touch and have a delicate, ruffled look, adding to the plant's overall charm. The blooms are typically arranged in clusters, creating a lush display of color on the plant. Each flower consists of an interesting arrangement of petals: a larger, banner-like upper petal called the "standard," two side petals known as the "wings," and two lower petals that form the "keel," encapsulating the reproductive parts of the flower. The foliage of 'Duo Salmon' Sweet Pea is comprised of pointed, pinnate leaves, with each leaflet exhibiting a vibrant shade of green. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, which are slender and have a climbing habit, often requiring support to facilitate growth in a graceful manner. A characteristic feature of Sweet Peas is their tendrils, which they use to clasp onto nearby supports, such as trellises or wires, enabling them to climb and exhibit their floral beauty at an elevated position throughout their blooming period. The combination of its colorful flowers, fragrant aroma, and climbing nature makes 'Duo Salmon' Sweet Pea a favorite among gardeners and a captivating addition to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, specifically Lathyrus odoratus 'Duo Salmon', contains toxic amino acids, such as beta-aminopropionitrile, that can cause lathyrism if ingested in large quantities over time. This condition can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially permanent damage to the nervous system. The seeds and seed pods are the most toxic parts of the plant.
To pets
In pets, sweet pea toxicity can manifest as lethargy, seizures, and muscle tremors if they consume the seeds or seed pods, which are the most toxic parts. Continuous ingestion can lead to lathyrism, characterized by neurological and musculoskeletal damage, potentially causing paralysis or other long-term health issues. It is important to prevent pets from consuming any part of the plant to avoid these risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Duo Salmon', commonly known as Sweet Pea, has vibrant salmon-colored flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Sweet Peas are well-known for their delightful scent, which can add a layer of sensory enjoyment to any garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet Peas are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of the Sweet Pea make excellent cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets due to their beauty and fragrance.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing plant, Sweet Peas can be trained to grow up trellises and supports, adding height and structure to garden designs.
- Variety in Color: Offering a wide range of colors beyond 'Duo Salmon', Sweet Peas allow for diverse and colorful garden themes.
- Cool Season Flowering: They are one of the few plants that flourish in cool temperatures, providing early spring to mid-summer blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sweet pea 'Duo Salmon' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles, with the petals imparting a delicate color on the material.
- The vines of the sweet pea can provide support to other plants in the garden, offering a living trellis for climbers.
- These flowers are a beneficial addition to a butterfly garden, attracting pollinators with their vibrant color and sweet scent.
- The seeds of sweet pea, when dried and hardened, can be used in crafts for decoration or as beads for jewelry-making.
- During old-fashioned and traditional events, sweet pea flowers can be worn as boutonnieres or corsages.
- Dried sweet pea flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a long-lasting fragrance in the home.
- The plant's stems and tendrils can be used in basket-weaving to add texture and strength to the finished product.
- Pressed sweet pea flowers can be used in the art of flower pressing to create natural decorative features in scrapbooking or framed botanical prints.
- As part of a sensory garden, sweet pea provides tactile experience with its soft petals and a sweet aroma to engage visitors' sense of smell.
- Sweet pea petals can be used to naturally decorate cakes and desserts, adding a floral element that is sure to impress guests.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: Sweet pea flowers are often associated with blissful pleasure because of their delightful fragrance and delicate appearance, symbolizing the enjoyment of life's sweet moments.
- Goodbye and Departure: Sweet peas have been used to signify bidding farewell, possibly due to their fleeting lifespan as cut flowers, which could relate to the transience of goodbyes.
- Thankfulness: Giving sweet peas as a gift can express gratitude, reflecting the giver's appreciation towards the receiver for a kind gesture or favor.
- Delicate Pleasure: Due to their soft texture and intricate structure, sweet peas denote the tender moments and pleasures that bring a subtle joy.
- Adieu: Similar to the theme of departure, the sweet pea carries the message of saying adieu, often in a gentle and affectionate manner, as it might be given when one parts ways after a pleasant visit.
WaterSweet pea plants like 'Duo Salmon' should be watered deeply and thoroughly to promote deep root growth. Aim to water these plants once a week with about 1 inch of water, increasing to twice a week during periods of high heat or drought. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plants. Be cautious not to overwater, as sweet peas are susceptible to root rot. During rainy periods, you may not need to water at all, but make sure the soil does not dry out completely.
LightSweet peas like the 'Duo Salmon' variety thrive in full sun, where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They will perform best in a location that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with very hot summers. However, too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureSweet peas, including the 'Duo Salmon' variety, prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish when daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 25°F and a maximum temperature around 75°F. Extended periods of heat above this range can lead to reduced blooming.
PruningSweet peas like 'Duo Salmon' benefit from regular deadheading to promote continuous blooming. Prune by cutting off the spent flowers and seed pods. Do this at least once a week during the blooming season. The best time to prune is in the cooler part of the day to minimize stress on the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Duo Salmon' thrives in well-draining, rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. An ideal soil mix can include equal parts loam, peat, and perlite or sand to facilitate drainage. Enriching the soil with compost or well-rotted manure will promote healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingSweet Pea 'Duo Salmon' is typically grown as an annual and therefore does not usually require repotting. If started in containers, they should be planted out into the garden or into larger pots before they become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Duo Salmon' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions outdoors. The ideal range would be around 40-60% relative humidity, which is typical of many outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Lathyrus odoratus 'Duo Salmon', commonly known as sweet pea, begins with seed germination, which requires a well-draining soil and a temperature range between 55-65°F to initiate. Once the seedlings emerge, they enter the vegetative stage, developing a robust root system, stems, and the distinctive pinnate leaves of the sweet pea. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage under long daylight conditions, producing fragrant, salmon-colored flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the sweet pea forms seed pods during the fruiting stage, which mature and eventually dry out. The seeds within these pods are then dispersed, either naturally or through human collection, completing the reproductive phase. The plant is typically annual, so after seeding, it will die, having completed its lifecycle within one growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Sweet Pea 'Duo Salmon', a popular ornamental plant known for its fragrant and colorful flowers, is commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is between late October and early April, aiming for a cool period as they prefer colder temperatures to initiate germination. To propagate, begin by nicking the hard outer shell of the seed with a file or soaking them in water for 24 hours to soften the coat, which aids in germination. Next, plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them 2 to 3 inches apart. Position them in a sunny spot and maintain consistent moisture without making the soil waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 15 days. Once seedlings have developed, thin them out to avoid overcrowding and support their climbing habit with trellises or support structures.
