Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Janet Scott'
ABOUT
The Sweet Pea 'Janet Scott' is a flowering plant known for its beautiful and fragrant blooms. The flowers are a warm, peachy-pink hue with a delicate, soft appearance, reminiscent of the hues found in a serene sunrise. Each bloom is typically composed of an ensemble of petals arranged in a classic sweet pea shape. The petals are slightly ruffled, adding a touch of elegance and texture to their aesthetic. Clustered together, the flowers of Sweet Pea 'Janet Scott' create a delightful display that is visually striking and can impart a romantic, cottage-garden feel to any planting arrangement. The plant bears its blooms atop slender, green stems which are adorned with small, oval-shaped leaves. These leaves are a contrasting deep green, providing a fresh backdrop for the pastel-toned flowers and enhancing their overall charm. The tendrils of Sweet Pea 'Janet Scott' allow it to climb, and it often requires support to showcase its beauty to the fullest. These tendrils will twine around available supports, such as trellises or wires, allowing the plant to ascend and create vertical interest in gardens or containers. As the plant flourishes, the overall impression is one of soft, tumbling floral abundance, rich with the sweet, heady scent that sweet peas are renowned for.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Common Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Janet Scott'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the variety 'Janet Scott', is toxic to humans if ingested. The seeds and other plant parts contain a compound called aminoproprionitrile which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of lathyrism include muscle weakness, paralysis, and potential damage to the central nervous system. Chronic exposure can lead to more severe neurological damage and could be fatal.
To pets
Sweet pea, including the variety 'Janet Scott', is also toxic to pets. Like in humans, the seeds and other parts of this plant contain the compound aminoproprionitrile which can lead to a condition called lathyrism. In pets, symptoms can include lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures, and possibly even death if a significant quantity is ingested. It's important to prevent pets from consuming any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Janet Scott', commonly known as Sweet Pea, features vibrant and colorful flowers that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Sweet Peas are well-known for their delightful fragrance, which can perfume an entire garden area.
- Pollinator Attraction: These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut Flowers: Sweet Peas make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their long stems and attractive blooms.
- Versatility in Gardening: They can be grown in borders, containers, and as climbers, providing versatility in garden design.
- Shade Tolerant: While they prefer full sun, Sweet Peas can still perform well in partial shade conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet Peas offer a burst of color in spring and summer, providing seasonal interest in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: The sweet pea blooms can be used to create subtle, natural dyes for textiles, imparting soft colors that can vary depending on the mordant used.
- In perfumery: Sweet pea flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance and can be used in making natural perfumes or scented sachets to freshen drawers and wardrobes.
- As part of floral art: Sweet pea flowers can be used in floral arrangements or for making intricate flower crowns and boutonnieres due its delicate and attractive blooms.
- In photography: The vibrant colors and aesthetic appeal of sweet pea flowers make them a popular subject for botanical photography and still life compositions.
- As a craft material: Dried sweet pea blooms and stems can be incorporated into craft projects like homemade paper or potpourri.
- In culinary presentations: Although not edible, sweet pea flowers can be used as non-toxic decorative garnishes for culinary dishes.
- For educational purposes: Sweet pea plants can be used in school projects or botanical studies to teach about plant biology and hybridization.
- In sensory gardens: The sweet pea's fragrance and bright colors make it an excellent choice for sensory garden installations, which aim to stimulate all five senses.
- As petal confetti: Dried sweet pea petals can be used as a natural and biodegradable confetti option for celebrations such as weddings.
- For lunar gardening: Some gardeners plant sweet peas by lunar phases, believing it affects plant growth, so it can be used to experiment with this type of gardening.
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: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea, often symbolizes blissful pleasure due to its intoxicating fragrance and delicate blooms, which can evoke a deep sense of delight and enjoyment.
- Goodbye and Departure: Sweet Pea can also represent saying goodbye or a departure. It may be used to convey a fond farewell or to wish someone good luck in a new endeavor.
- Thankfulness: The gift of Sweet Pea flowers is sometimes used to express thanks for a lovely time or for the pleasure of someone's company, making it a popular choice in bouquets given as a token of gratitude.
- Delicate Pleasures: The light and airy blossoms of the Sweet Pea are traditionally associated with delicate pleasures, embodying the enjoyment of tender moments and gentle experiences.
WaterSweet peas, like the 'Janet Scott' variety, prefer their soil to be kept moist but not waterlogged. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per square yard of soil. During particularly hot or dry spells, it may be necessary to water them two to three times per week. Ensure the water reaches the roots by applying it directly to the soil rather than spraying the foliage, to prevent mildew. Always check the soil moisture before watering; if the top inch of soil feels dry, it's time to water again.
LightThe best light conditions for 'Janet Scott' sweet peas are full sun, meaning they should get at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They thrive in locations that provide morning sunlight and some protection from intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions, to prevent wilting and stress to the plants. Ideal spots are open areas with clear access to the sky, like a south-facing garden, ensuring ample light for robust growth.
TemperatureSweet peas, including the 'Janet Scott' variety, grow best in temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and should not be exposed to temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods as this can hinder flowering. The ideal temperature conditions for 'Janet Scott' sweet peas are cool to moderate climates with consistent temperatures within this range.
PruningPruning 'Janet Scott' sweet peas encourages more blooms and a bushier growth habit. Pinch the tips when the plants are 4 to 6 inches tall to promote side shoots. Once blooming, regularly deadhead, or remove spent flowers, to prevent seed formation and stimulate further flowering. After the first flush of blooms fades, cut the plants back by about one-third to encourage a second bloom cycle. Pruning is best done with clean, sharp shears to avoid damage to the plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet pea 'Janet Scott' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. A best soil mix might consist of one part loam, one part peat or coir, and one part perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH for sweet peas like 'Janet Scott' ranges from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingSweet pea 'Janet Scott' plants, being annuals, do not typically require repotting as they complete their life cycle in one growing season. However, if started indoors, they should be transplanted into the garden when seedlings are strong enough and after the risk of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingSweet pea 'Janet Scott' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a variety of conditions. High humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so ensuring good air circulation around the plants is important.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright, cool spot; support climbers; keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, support stems, enrich soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSweet Pea 'Janet Scott' begins its life cycle as a seed, which needs to be sown in well-drained soil, preferably in late winter or early spring. Once the seeds germinate, they develop into seedlings which then grow into climbing vines, requiring support to thrive. The plant enters its vegetative stage, producing compound leaves and tendrils that grasp onto structures, allowing the vines to climb. Following the vegetative stage, the plant flowers, typically in late spring or early summer, offering fragrant, peach-pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed pods, and once matured, the seeds can be harvested for future planting or left to self-seed. The plant is an annual, so after setting seed, it dies, completing its life cycle within one growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Janet Scott', is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is either in late October to November or from January to April, aiming for an early spring germination. You would start by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell, which expedites germination. After soaking, plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in a well-draining soil mix, spaced about 2 to 3 inches apart. Place the containers in a bright, cool spot and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs in 10 to 21 days contingent on the ambient temperature. Once seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden after the last frost has passed.
