Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Kiera Madeline'
ABOUT
Lathyrus odoratus 'Kiera Madeline', widely known as sweet pea, is a captivating plant famed for its charming flowers and pleasing scent. The flowers bloom in a delightful cascade of colors that range from deep purples to soft pinks, often exhibiting a mesmerizing bi-color pattern where the edges contrast the center of the petals. The petals are velvety to the touch with a typical sweet pea floral shape, which includes an upright 'standard' petal, flanked by smaller 'wing' petals and a keel at the bottom. They usually grow in clusters, providing an abundant display of color. The foliage of sweet pea 'Kiera Madeline' consists of petite, pinnate leaves that are a radiant green. Each leaf is made up of pairs of leaflets which are oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The stems, which bear both the leaves and flowers, are slender and have a climbing nature, often requiring support to showcase their full splendor as they can intertwine and trail. The plant's overall structure is graceful, with an impression of lightness and elegance, making it a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of sophistication to their gardens without necessarily focusing on grandeur based on size. Sweet peas are also renowned for their aroma, and 'Kiera Madeline' emits a particularly delightful fragrance, which can enhance the sensory pleasure of any garden space where it thrives.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Lathyrus, Sweetpea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea is considered to be mildly toxic when ingested by humans. Ingesting the seeds or other plant parts of sweet pea may lead to symptoms that can include convulsions, lethargy, weakness, and paralysis. Chronic ingestion may result in a neurological condition known as lathyrism, characterized by muscle weakness and limb paralysis, though this condition is primarily associated with the consumption of seeds from certain other Lathyrus species.
To pets
Sweet pea is toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as lethargy, convulsions, and weakness. It is particularly the seeds that contain the toxic amino acids, which when ingested in large enough quantities, can lead to a condition similar to lathyrism in humans, resulting in muscle weakness and the potential for paralysis.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sweet pea 'Kiera Madeline' has vibrant flowers that add color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are known for their delightful scent, which can enhance the sensory pleasure of any outdoor space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in borders, flower beds, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Cut Flowers: Sweet pea flowers are excellent for cutting and arranging in bouquets, adding indoor decoration.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet peas have a reputation for being easy to cultivate, suitable for gardeners of various skill levels.
- Fast Growth: With a quick growth rate, sweet peas provide gardeners with rapid gratification as they fill in garden areas quickly.
- Educational Value: Growing sweet peas can be an educational activity, teaching about plant growth and pollination.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Photography: Sweet Pea 'Kiera Madeline' is a popular subject for photographers due to its vivid colors and delicate structure, making it suitable for artistic projects or photography workshops.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of the Sweet Pea can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a range of colors from soft pastels to more intense hues depending on the concentration and fabric used.
- Handmade Paper: Infusing handmade paper with Sweet Pea petals can add texture and visual interest to the paper, which can be used for special invitations or art projects.
- Education and Research: Schools and universities can use Sweet Pea 'Kiera Madeline' to educate students about plant biology, horticulture, and the genetics of plant breeding.
- Garden Companionship: Sweet Peas are known to be good companions in the garden, potentially helping to deter certain pests from more vulnerable plants.
- Ephemeral Art: The flowers of the Sweet Pea can be used in temporary art installations, where their fleeting beauty is emblematic of nature's transient qualities.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not for consumption due to the potential toxicity, the flowers can be used to garnish plates in high-end culinary presentations, and removed before consumption.
- Botanical Sachets: Dried Sweet Pea flowers can be used in aromatic sachets to scent drawers and wardrobes with their delicate fragrance.
- Social Events: Sweet Pea flowers are sometimes used in social event decor, like at spring-themed events or parties seeking a touch of natural elegance.
- Crafts for Kids: The stems and flowers of Sweet Peas can be incorporated into safe, supervised crafts with children, teaching them about nature while creating art.
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 flowers, such as Lathyrus odoratus 'Kiera Madeline', commonly symbolize blissful pleasure, representing the joy and pleasure derived from enjoying the simpler things in life.
- Goodbye: They are often used to indicate a farewell or departure, embodying the sentiment of a sweet and cherished goodbye or the end of a good time.
- Delicate Pleasures: The fragile nature of the Sweet Pea blossoms speaks to the fleeting and delicate pleasures that are to be savored and appreciated in the moment.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: The Sweet Pea is sometimes given as an expression of gratitude, thanking someone for a delightful experience or lovely time spent together.
- Departure: Reflecting on its use as a symbol of goodbyes, the Sweet Pea can also represent the bittersweet emotions felt during a departure or the end of an era in one's life.
WaterFor sweet peas, water them once a week with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring the moisture penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage proper root development. It's crucial to maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering, as sweet peas prefer well-drained soil. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again to prevent waterlogging.
LightSweet peas thrive in a location with full sunlight, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade but will produce the best blooms in a sunny spot. Avoid placing sweet peas in areas with intense afternoon sun in hotter climates, as this can cause the flowers to fade quickly.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish when daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F and a maximum of about 75°F. However, once temperatures consistently exceed this range, flowering may diminish or stop.
PruningPrune sweet peas to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch the tips of the plants when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will also encourage more blooms. The best time for pruning is in the early growing stages and throughout the blooming season as needed to remove faded flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer rich, well-draining soil with compost added. A balanced pH between 6.0 and 7.5 suits this variety best, ensuring nutrient availability and healthy growth.
RepottingSweet peas grown as annuals do not typically require repotting, as they complete their life cycle within one year.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas thrive best in moderate humidity conditions; they do not require high humidity environments but should not be exposed to excessively dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use rich soil, ensure ample light, and provide support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil with compost, and support with trellis.
Hardiness zone
Sweet peas are generally annuals, so hardiness zones are not typically specified, but they are often grown in zones 2-11.
Life cycleThe life of Sweet Pea 'Kiera Madeline' begins with seed germination, which occurs in late winter to early spring when the soil temperature is cool. The seedlings soon develop an extensive root system and a set of true leaves after the initial cotyledons. The plant then enters a vigorous vegetative growth stage, producing multiple stems, lush foliage, and tendrils for climbing support. As temperatures rise and the days get longer, Sweet Pea 'Kiera Madeline' starts the reproductive stage by forming colorful and fragrant flowers, usually from late spring to summer. Following pollination, typically by bees or sometimes by self-pollination, the plant produces pods containing seeds that mature by late summer or early fall. The plant then senesces, completing its annual life cycle, as the seeds can be collected for the next season or left to self-sow if environmental conditions allow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method for propagating sweet pea 'Kiera Madeline' is through seeds. Generally, it's best to start sowing sweet pea seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. To promote germination, it's recommended to nick the seed coat with a file or to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. After preparing the seeds, plant them 1 inch deep in a well-draining soil mix in individual pots. Ensure they have plenty of light and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings will usually emerge within 10 to 21 days. Once the danger of frost has passed and seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, you can transplant them outdoors to a sunny spot with support for climbing.
