Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Linda C'
ABOUT
The 'Linda C' is a variety of sweet pea that is popular for its striking appearance and sweet fragrance. This plant typically produces an abundance of delicate flowers that are known for their vivid colors and enchanting scent. The blooms boast a beautiful color palette, often displaying shades of purple, pink, or blue, sometimes with intricate patterns or a gradient effect from the edges to the center of the petals. The flowers grow in clusters on slender, tendril-bearing vines that can support themselves by twining around structures or other plants. The petals of the 'Linda C' sweet pea have a soft, almost silky texture and are arranged in a classic sweet pea shape—with one large, upright 'standard' petal, two smaller 'wing' petals on the sides, and a keel shaped by two fused petals at the bottom. The foliage consists of green, blade-like leaves that grow opposite each other on the stem, creating a backdrop that accentuates the colorful flowers. The sweet pea has a growth habit that allows it to seem gracefully draping or climbing, depending on the support it finds, making it a popular choice for garden trellises, fences, and arches. Its overall appearance reflects the charm and gracefulness often associated with traditional English cottage gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Lathyrus.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Linda C'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea toxicity to humans is generally considered low, but the seeds and seed pods can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. They contain a compound called Lathyrogens, which can potentially cause a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in high amounts over time. Lathyrism is characterized by symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis of the lower limbs, and potentially permanent neurological damage.
To pets
Sweet pea plants are also toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If your pet ingests sweet pea, it can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, due to the presence of Lathyrogens. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include lethargy, convulsions, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, ingesting sweet pea seeds or plants can lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and if untreated, may result in more severe health issues or even be fatal. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended if sweet pea ingestion is suspected.
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- Ornamental Value: Lathyrus odoratus 'Linda C', commonly known as sweet pea, adds visual appeal to gardens with its delicate flowers in a range of colors.
- Fragrance: Sweet pea is known for its strong, sweet fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience in a garden or when used in floral arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is excellent for attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects that pollinate flowers and contribute to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet peas are relatively easy to cultivate, making them an ideal choice for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Climbing Habit: Their ability to climb makes them perfect for vertical gardens, trellises, and fences, where they can add height and structure.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of sweet peas are long-lasting when cut, making them popular in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Variable Colors: The variety 'Linda C' offers a range of colors, providing gardeners the opportunity to create diverse and colorful displays.
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas are typically grown in the spring and can be one of the first pops of color after a long winter, heralding the arrival of the warmer season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs often use the sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Linda C' in botany lessons to teach students about plant biology, growth processes, and hybridization due to its distinctive characteristics and ease of growth.
- Photography Subject: With its vibrant colors and pleasant scent, the sweet pea is a favorite among photographers, especially those who specialize in botanical and nature photography.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use sweet pea flowers as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art, capturing their delicate shapes and vivid colors.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners use sweet peas for companion planting as they can provide support for other climbing plants, and their flowers attract beneficial insects that aid pollination and pest control.
- Dye Production: The petals of sweet pea flowers can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering hues that range from soft pastels to more vibrant colors.
- Decorative Potpourri: Dried sweet pea flowers can be used in potpourri mixtures, releasing a residual fragrance and adding color to decorative bowls and containers.
- Natural Fertilizer: Once the sweet pea plant has finished blooming, it can be composted to create a natural fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and adds valuable nutrients back into the garden soil.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the sweet pea can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Fragrance Industry Input: Sweet pea's fragrance can be used as a reference or inspiration for developing perfumes and scented products, though its scent is typically synthesized in commercial products.
- Horticultural Shows: Sweet pea flowers like the 'Linda C' variety are often featured in horticultural shows and competitions, where gardeners showcase their skill in growing and presenting flowers.
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 (Lathyrus odoratus 'Linda C') is often associated with blissful pleasure due to its intoxicating fragrance and delicate blooms, reminiscent of carefree, joyous moments.
- Goodbye & Departure: Historically, Sweet Pea has been given to someone embarking on a journey or a farewell, symbolizing a polite way to say goodbye with the hope of a future reunion.
- Thank You: The Sweet Pea flower is a classic way to convey thanks, reflecting appreciation and gratitude.
- Delicate Pleasures: The Sweet Pea represents delicate pleasures, encapsulating the joys found in the simpler, softer moments of life.
- Lasting Pleasure: While the individual flowers may be fleeting, the Sweet Pea as a whole symbolizes lasting pleasure, indicating the endurance of joy over time.
WaterSweet peas, including the variety 'Linda C,' prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water them with about 1 gallon of water per plant, once a week during cooler weather, and increase to twice a week during hot spells. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and other fungal problems; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Adjust watering based on rainfall, soil type, and heat levels, but always ensure the soil is moist 1 inch below the surface before adding more water.
LightSweet pea plants thrive in full sunlight, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They perform best when planted in a location that receives unobstructed morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun if you're in a hotter climate. However, in cooler climates, they can tolerate and benefit from full day exposure to the sun.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts but perform best when daytime temperatures remain between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They will begin to suffer when temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for sweet pea 'Linda C' is between the aforementioned 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures ideally not dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningSweet peas benefit from regular pruning to promote bushier growth and more blooms. For 'Linda C' sweet peas, deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Lightly prune or pinch back the tips of the plants when they are 4 to 6 inches tall to stimulate lateral growth. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet pea 'Linda C' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A great mix would be equal parts loam, peat, and well-rotted organic compost. Adding perlite or vermiculite can improve drainage and aeration, which is crucial for healthy root development.
RepottingSweet pea 'Linda C' is typically grown as an annual, so repotting is not commonly required. Instead, they are sown directly where they are to flower, or started in pots before being transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingSweet pea 'Linda C' prefers moderate humidity levels, which are typically present in outdoor conditions. If grown indoors, they do not require special humidity adjustments, making them adaptable to average household humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure adequate light, cooler temps, and good ventilation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, support climbers, enrich soil, water well.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Sweet Pea 'Linda C' (Lathyrus odoratus 'Linda C') begins with seed germination, where seeds sprout when planted in well-draining soil in cool early spring conditions. The seedlings quickly develop into vigorous vines, which will benefit from being provided with support to climb, such as trellises or stakes. With enough sunlight and proper care, the plants will grow rapidly, producing lush foliage. Sweet Pea 'Linda C' then enters the flowering stage, producing fragrant, colorful blooms typically in the late spring or early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into pods containing seeds, which reach maturity late in the summer or early fall. Finally, the plant completes its life cycle when it dies back after seed dispersal, having successfully set seeds for future generation; in many climates, Sweet Pea 'Linda C' is grown as an annual plant, requiring replanting each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the sweet pea known as 'Linda C' is through seed sowing. This is typically done in late winter or early spring, depending on the local climate. Seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Prior to sowing, the hard seed coat can be softened by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours or by lightly nicking the coat with a file to aid germination. Plant the seeds about an inch deep (approximately 2.5 centimeters) in well-draining potting mix, and keep them moist. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with supportive structures for their climbing habit. It is important to handle the delicate roots carefully during transplantation to prevent damage.
