Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Julie Ann'
ABOUT
The Lathyrus odoratus 'Julie Ann', commonly known as sweet pea, is a flowering plant that boasts an elegant and showy appearance. It is characterized by its delicate flowers that come in a soft pastel pink hue with gentle white shading toward the edges, creating a subtle two-tone effect. These flowers are typically ruffled, adding a sense of romantic frilliness to their overall look. Each bloom presents itself with a standard petal atop and wings on the side, resembling a small, fluttery butterfly. The blooms usually grow in clusters, emitting a delightful and strong fragrance that is often associated with these plants. Foliage-wise, the sweet pea 'Julie Ann' has slender, green tendrils that it uses to climb and grasp onto supports, allowing the plant to showcase its flowers more prominently. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they are composed of multiple small, narrow leaflets arranged opposite each other along a central stem, creating a feathery texture that complements the softness of the blooms. The stems are sturdy yet slender, and the entire plant exudes an airy, whimsical charm that is well-loved by gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Julie Ann'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea is generally considered mildly toxic to humans when ingested. Eating large amounts of sweet pea seeds may cause lathyrism, a condition that can lead to paralysis and potentially permanent neurological damage due to a toxin known as ODAP or beta-aminopropionitrile. Symptoms of lathyrism can include weakness, lethargy, and convulsions. Chronic exposure to the toxin can cause more severe nervous system effects, such as spastic paralysis. However, casual handling or touching of the plant is not typically harmful to humans.
To pets
Sweet pea can be toxic to pets if ingested. The seeds and other plant parts contain amino acids such as beta-aminopropionitrile, which can cause lathyrism in animals as well. The symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures, and should be considered an emergency. Chronic ingestion might lead to more severe symptoms including lethargy, tremors, and convulsions. If a pet is suspected to have ingested sweet pea, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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: Lathyrus odoratus 'Julie Ann', commonly known as sweet pea, produces beautiful and colorful flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Fragrance: Sweet pea flowers are well-known for their delightful fragrance which can add a pleasant aroma to the environment where they grow.
- Cultural Significance: Sweet peas have a long history of cultivation and are often associated with traditional gardening, symbolizing pleasure and fond farewell.
- Pollinator Friendly: They attract beneficial insects like bees, which are essential for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Versatility: Sweet peas can be grown in a variety of settings including borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Ease of Cultivation: These plants are relatively easy to grow from seed, making them a good choice for novice gardeners
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas bloom typically in spring and summer, offering seasonal interest and color variation in the garden.
- Edible History: Although not recommended for consumption due to potential toxicity of certain varieties, heirloom sweet peas have a fascinating history connected to traditional culinary uses, contributing to heritage gardening.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dyes: Sweet pea petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of soft colors depending on the mordant used.
- Perfumery: The intense fragrance of sweet peas can be infused into oils and used in homemade perfumes or scented candles.
- Educational Use: Sweet peas can be used in school projects to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and horticulture.
- Floral Art: The stems and flowers of sweet peas can be incorporated into floral art installations, adding beauty and a sweet scent to the exhibit.
- Photography: Sweet peas, with their vibrant colors and delicate shapes, are popular subjects for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical images.
- Insectary Plant: When planted in a vegetable garden, sweet peas can draw beneficial insects that help in the pollination of vegetable crops and control pests.
- Theme Gardens: Sweet peas are ideal for creating themed gardens, such as Victorian-era gardens or color-specific garden designs due to their range of colors and old-world charm.
- Seed Art: Dry sweet pea seeds can be used in arts and crafts, particularly in creating mosaics or decorative patterns on various surfaces.
- Culinary Presentation: Although the plant itself is not edible, sweet pea flowers can be used to decorate plates or serving trays for special occasions, as long as they do not come into direct contact with the food.
- Literary Inspiration: The appearance and fragrance of sweet peas have inspired poets and writers, who may grow the plant in order to evoke a certain mood or setting for their literary works.
Interesting Facts
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: Sweet pea, which is the common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Julie Ann', often symbolizes blissful pleasure, representing the joy and satisfaction that can be found in life's simpler pleasures.
- Goodbye: In the language of flowers, sweet peas can be used to express a polite farewell, a gesture of thanks for a lovely time or a wish to meet again in the future.
- Delicate or Fleeting Beauty: The sweet pea's delicate form and brief blooming period can symbolize the transient nature of beauty and remind us to appreciate the ephemeral moments in life.
- Thankfulness: Giving sweet peas can be a way of expressing gratitude and appreciation for someone's kindness and friendship.
WaterSweet Peas should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 1 inch. During periods of high temperatures or dry spells, water them twice a week, ensuring each time that the water penetrates the soil deeply rather than just wetting the surface. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent mildew; instead, water at the base of the plant. A general guideline is to provide about 0.5 gallons per plant per week, adjusting as necessary for weather conditions.
LightSweet Peas thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming. The best spot for the plant is in a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, in very hot climates, they will benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the most intense heat.
TemperatureSweet Peas prefer cooler temperatures and will thrive in conditions between 55°F and 65°F. They can survive short periods of colder weather, down to about 25°F, but they will not withstand hard, prolonged freezes. Similarly, temperatures that consistently exceed 70°F, especially at night, may reduce blooming and can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
PruningFor Sweet Peas, pruning, or more accurately, deadheading, encourages more blooms and extends the flowering season. Regularly remove spent blooms and seed pods to stimulate the plant to produce more flowers. The best time for pruning is when flowers start to fade or after pods have formed. Prune Sweet Peas as needed throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Julie Ann' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix can be made of equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Regular addition of organic fertilizer will help maintain its vigorous growth.
RepottingSweet Peas, like 'Julie Ann', don't generally require frequent repotting as they are annuals. They're often sown directly in the ground or in a container where they will live out their lifecycle without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Julie Ann' prefers moderate humidity levels, though it is fairly adaptable. The best humidity level for this plant ranges from 40% to 60%, avoiding excessively dry air which may inhibit flowering and growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with a trellis for support; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet Pea 'Julie Ann' starts its life cycle when seeds are sown directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed, as they prefer cool soil for germination. Seedlings emerge and the plants quickly develop a deep root system, and sturdy, climbing stems that require support for optimal growth. The vegetation phase follows, where the plant produces compound leaves with tendrils that allow it to climb. The next stage is flowering, which typically occurs in the cool days of late spring to early summer; 'Julie Ann' sweet peas produce fragrant, colorful blooms that are popular for cutting and use in bouquets. Once pollinated, usually by insects, the flowers develop into seed pods, and the plant begins to channel its energy into seed production. The life cycle concludes when the plant has matured and released its seeds, completing the cycle and potentially leading to new plants if the seeds find a suitable place to grow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Sweet Pea 'Julie Ann' is commonly propagated through seed sowing. The ideal time for propagation by seed typically begins in late winter to early spring. For colder regions, seeds may be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date to give them a head start. When sowing sweet pea seeds, it is beneficial to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat, which can enhance germination. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Provide support for climbing as sweet peas are vining plants. Maintain moist soil until germination, which usually occurs within 10 to 28 days, depending on the growing conditions.
