Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus 'First Flame'
ABOUT
The Sweet Pea 'First Flame' is an ornamental flowering plant well-known for its vibrant and showy blooms. The most striking feature of this plant is its flowers, which exhibit a fiery blend of colors, typically vivid orange and deep crimson-red, with a tendency to fade into softer shades of pink as the blooms mature. These flowers are not only remarkable for their intense coloration but also for their delightful fragrance, which is rich and sweetly scented, making them a favorite in gardens for their sensory appeal. The flowers of the Sweet Pea 'First Flame' are held aloft on slender, climbing stems which provide a cascading or trailing effect when supported by trellises or other structures that enable them to climb. The individual blossoms are reminiscent of butterflies, with their delicate, wing-like petals that are softly ruffled along the edges. These flowers typically have a classic Sweet Pea shape, characterized by a larger, banner-like petal known as the 'standard,' which is flanked by smaller wings at the sides, and a keel-like, lower petal below. The foliage of the Sweet Pea 'First Flame' consists of leaves that are compound, with each leaf featuring multiple leaflets. The leaflets are small, generally oval to lance-shaped, and are a fresh green color that contrasts nicely with the dramatic tones of the flowers. The combination of the plant's attractive foliage and stunning flowers makes it a popular choice for vertical interest in gardens. While climbing and supporting itself, the Sweet Pea 'First Flame' will intertwine with nearby plants or structures, showing off its colorful blossoms that seem to float amidst the greenery. Its suitability for cutting also makes it a commonly grown variety for use in floral arrangements, where the intensity of its flowers and their sweet aroma can be enjoyed indoors as well.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, specifically the variety 'First Flame', is considered mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities due to the presence of a compound called Lathyrus. Symptoms of poisoning from eating sweet pea seeds or other plant parts can include convulsions, paralysis, and potentially even lethal neurological conditions if consumed in large amounts. The most common consequence is lathyrism, a disease that can cause weakening and loss of muscle coordination. However, cases of poisoning in humans from casual contact or small ingestions are rare.
To pets
Sweet pea, specifically the variety 'First Flame', is also toxic to pets if ingested. The presence of toxic amino acids, such as Lathyrus, can cause similar symptoms in pets as in humans, including convulsions and paralysis. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. It is important to prevent pets from consuming sweet pea seeds or any other parts of the plant to avoid these potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Vivid Color: Adds a pop of vibrant orange-red hues to the garden, creating colorful visual interest.
- Attractive Fragrance: Emits a sweet scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or indoor space.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Vertical Interest: With its climbing habit, Lathyrus odoratus 'First Flame' can add height and structure to garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: Suitable for bouquets, the blooms have a long vase life, making them perfect for floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being easy to cultivate, which is ideal for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Edging Plants: Can be used as borders or edging due to their orderly growing habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Sweet pea 'First Flame' is often used by photographers for its vibrant colors and is a popular choice for photo shoots involving flowers and gardens.
- Art inspiration: Artists use the striking hues of sweet pea 'First Flame' as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art.
- Educational tool: Horticulture teachers use sweet pea 'First Flame' to demonstrate plant growth, flowering, and breeding techniques in educational settings.
- Natural dye: The petals of sweet pea 'First Flame' can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, although this is not a common application.
- Floral crafts: Dried sweet pea 'First Flame' flowers can be incorporated into craft projects, such as creating potpourri or decorating homemade cards.
- Event decoration: Sweet pea 'First Flame', with its vivid blooms, is sometimes used in event decor for celebrations, particularly in spring and summer themed occasions.
- Gardening competition: Due to its uniqueness, sweet pea 'First Flame' is utilized by gardeners looking to participate in flower shows and gardening competitions.
- Perfumery: Occasionally, the fragrance of sweet pea 'First Flame' may be analyzed by perfumers seeking to replicate its scent synthetically for use in fragrances.
- Floral language and symbolism: Sweet pea 'First Flame' is sometimes used to communicate messages in the language of flowers, where it can signify departure or a heartfelt thanks.
- Culinary decoration: While the plant is not edible, sweet pea 'First Flame' flowers may be used as a non-toxic decorative garnish for plates and platters in culinary presentations.
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: Sweet pea, the common name for Lathyrus odoratus, is often associated with pleasure due to its intoxicating fragrance and delightful appearance.
- Goodbye and departure: It has historically been used to signify a farewell or the end of an era, representing the sweet memories that remain after a parting.
- Delicate pleasures: Sweet pea's delicate petals and sweet scent are symbolic of the fleeting joys and pleasures in life that should be cherished.
- Thank you for a lovely time: The sweet pea can be a way of expressing gratitude for the good moments shared with someone, often given after spending enjoyable time together.
- Whimsy and spontaneity: The variety in colors and the free-growing nature of the sweet pea can symbolize a playful and spontaneous spirit.
WaterSweet Peas should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon per plant. It's important to water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, which can lead to fungal diseases. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as Sweet Peas do not like to sit in soggy soil.
LightSweet Peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'First Flame', thrive best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade but flowering may be reduced. The ideal spot for Sweet Peas is a location where they are protected from strong, hot afternoon sun, which can sometimes be too intense.
TemperatureIdeal temperature conditions for Sweet Peas range from 55°F to 65°F during the day and down to 40°F at night. They can survive a light frost, but temperatures above 75°F may lead to reduced blooming. Sweet Peas prefer cooler weather and often perform best in spring and fall.
PruningSweet Peas should be pruned to encourage branching, which results in more flowers. Pinch out the tips of growing plants when they are about 4 inches tall. Deadheading, or removing old flowers before they set seed, will also promote continuous blooming. The best time for pruning is when new growth appears and after flowering for deadheading.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'First Flame' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite promotes good drainage and fertility. For optimal growth, ensure the soil is loose and fertile with plenty of organic matter.
RepottingSweet Peas generally do not need repotting as they are annual plants. Instead, plant seeds or seedlings each year in nutrient-rich soil where they have space to spread.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'First Flame' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the range commonly found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, support for vines; fertilize regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide support, and ensure well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Sweet Pea 'First Flame' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and provided with adequate moisture, will germinate typically within 7-21 days. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing its first set of true leaves after the initial cotyledons, and quickly starts to climb, requiring support like a trellis or stakes due to its vining habit. As the plant grows, it develops a robust stem system and compound leaves that allow it to photosynthesize efficiently and support its climbing lifestyle. Following vegetative growth, the Sweet Pea enters the flowering stage, producing striking, fragrant flame-colored blossoms that are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into pods containing seeds that reach maturity within a few weeks. With the onset of unfavorable conditions or the end of the growing season, the plant completes its annual cycle and dies, leaving behind seeds that can begin the cycle anew the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea 'First Flame', is by sowing seeds. The best time to plant Sweet Pea seeds is either in late October to November before the first frost, which provides time for the roots to establish and often results in stronger plants, or in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. To propagate, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Next, sow seeds 1 inch deep (about 2.5 centimeters) and 2 to 3 inches apart (5 to 7.5 centimeters) directly into well-draining soil in a sunny position. Seeds generally germinate within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are established, they should be thinned or transplanted to stand 5 to 6 inches apart (around 12.5 to 15 centimeters), encouraging stronger growth and better air circulation.
