Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Maestro'
ABOUT
Lathyrus odoratus 'Maestro', commonly known as the sweet pea 'Maestro', is a flowering plant cherished for its delightful and fragrant blossoms. The plant showcases a striking array of flowers that typically present in rich, deep hues. Each flower is characterized by its classic sweet pea shape, featuring a broad standard petal at the back and smaller, more delicate wing petals flanking its sides. The blooms of the sweet pea 'Maestro' exude an enchanting fragrance, which contributes to its popularity in gardens and as cut flowers. This variety tends to produce flowers that are somewhat larger than those of other sweet pea varieties, making them particularly showy and appealing. The foliage of sweet pea 'Maestro' is comprised of green, pinnate leaves, with each leaflet shaped like a narrow oval. These leaves are attached to thin, climbing stems that eagerly reach out to grasp onto any support provided, such as trellises or fencing. The tendrils at the ends of the stems enable the plant to climb and showcase its flowers in a cascading manner. Sweet pea 'Maestro' possesses an overall lush and bushy appearance, with a profusion of both flowers and foliage, creating a visually dense and textured display in garden settings. This ornamental essence combined with its aromatic presence makes the sweet pea 'Maestro' a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Sweetpea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Maestro'
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, specifically the Lathyrus odoratus 'Maestro', is a plant known for its fragrant flowers. While the flowers are often admired for their beauty, parts of the plant are toxic when ingested. The seeds and the plant itself contain amino acids called lathyrins, which can cause lathyrism if consumed in large quantities. This is a neurological condition that can lead to symptoms such as weakness in the legs, paralysis, and even convulsions. However, accidental ingestion of small amounts of sweet pea is unlikely to cause serious poisoning, yet it is advisable to avoid consumption and to keep the seeds away from children who might mistake them for edible peas.
To pets
Sweet pea, or Lathyrus odoratus 'Maestro', is toxic to pets. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, contain amino acids that can be harmful when ingested. If a pet consumes part of the sweet pea plant, they may suffer from lathyrism, which is characterized by symptoms such as lethargy, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, paralysis. It's important to ensure pets do not have access to sweet pea plants and to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
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: The Sweet Pea 'Maestro' has vibrant and colorful flowers, which enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: It is known for its sweet, delightful fragrance, which can be enjoyed in the garden or as cut flowers indoors.
- Attracts Pollinators: Sweet Peas provide nectar for bees and butterflies, helping to support local biodiversity.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing plant, Sweet Pea 'Maestro' can cover trellises, arbors, and fences, adding vertical interest to gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet Peas are considered easy to cultivate, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Seasonal Color: They provide a seasonal display of color, typically blooming in the spring and early summer.
- Cut Flowers: The plant's blooms make excellent cut flowers, with a long vase life, allowing their beauty and scent to be enjoyed indoors.
- Edible Flowers: While not all parts are edible, the flowers of some varieties of Sweet Peas can be used in salads and as garnishes (however, caution is advised, as certain parts of many Sweet Pea plants are toxic).
- Screening: Sweet Peas can be used to create a natural screen or privacy hedge when grown along supports.
- Variety: They come in a wide range of colors, which allows for diverse design and planting schemes.
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 dye: The flowers of sweet pea can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, with shades varying depending on the mordant used.
- In perfumery: The sweet scent of sweet pea's blossoms is sometimes used in the formulation of perfumes and scented oils.
- As a tool for teaching genetics: Sweet pea is historically significant in the study of genetics, and can be used for educational purposes to explain inheritance and genetic variation.
- For training bee populations: The flowers can be used in gardens to help train honeybees in identifying nectar sources due to their vivid colors and strong fragrance.
- In arts and crafts: Both fresh and dried blossoms can be used to adorn scrapbooks, greeting cards, or to create floral arrangements and decorations.
- In photography: The aesthetic appeal of sweet pea flowers makes them an excellent subject for botanical photography and artistic composition.
- As a symbol in cultural events: In some cultures, sweet pea is used as a symbol of pleasure or as a parting gift to wish someone a good and pleasant journey.
- As a bookmark: Dried sweet pea flowers can be used as delicate, natural bookmarks that add a unique and personal touch.
- In potpourri: Dried sweet pea flowers can be used in making homemade potpourri to impart a sweet fragrance to a room.
- As a companion plant: Sweet pea is sometimes planted in vegetable gardens because it is believed to repel certain pests while attracting beneficial insects with its 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- Pleasure: Sweet peas are known for their delightful fragrance, symbolizing pure pleasure and the enjoyment of the senses.
- Goodbye: In the Victorian language of flowers, sweet peas signify bidding farewell or saying goodbye, often used to convey a message of departure to a loved one.
- Gratitude: Sweet peas are associated with gratitude, making them a thoughtful gift to express thanks.
- Delicate Pleasures: Due to their gentle appearance and exquisite scent, sweet peas often represent the appreciation of delicate and simple pleasures in life.
- Blissful Pleasure: As the sweet pea blooms bring joy to those who encounter them, they are frequently given to represent blissful pleasure and happiness.
WaterSweet peas should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week, ensuring that water reaches the roots. During dry spells or in hot climates, twice per week may be necessary. Water with about 1 gallon per plant each time, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Too much water can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and the risk of disease.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sun to partial shade, preferring at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. An east- or west-facing spot that receives gentle morning or afternoon sun is ideal for sweet peas. Avoid placing them in strong, direct afternoon sun in hot climates as it may scorch the blooms.
TemperatureSweet peas fare best in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 25°F, but frost can damage the plant. Although they are cool-season flowers, extreme heat above 80°F may hinder bloom production.
PruningPruning sweet peas encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the tips of seedlings when they are about 6 inches tall. Remove faded flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. The best time for extensive pruning is in the fall, after flowering has ceased.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Maestro' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, rich in organic matter. A recommended soil mix includes loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingSweet Peas, including the 'Maestro' variety, are not commonly repotted as they are annual plants. They are usually sown directly where they are to flower and not disturbed.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Maestro' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Lathyrus odoratus 'Maestro', commonly known as sweet pea 'Maestro', begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring under the right temperature and moisture conditions. After germination, the seedlings rapidly develop a root system and shoot, and as they grow, they often require support to climb, being natural climbers with a vining habit. The vegetative stage follows, characterized by the growth of stems, leaves, and tendrils that allow the plant to anchor to supports. Flowering occurs in early summer, where sweet pea 'Maestro' produces fragrant and colorful blooms that may continue through summer if conditions are favorable and spent flowers are regularly deadheaded. Following pollination, the plant sets seed pods that mature by late summer to early fall, with seeds eventually being dispersed once the pods dry and split open. At the end of the growing season, if not perennial in the specific climate, the plant will die back after setting seed, completing the annual life cycle, but in some climates, the plant may persist into the following year as a short-lived perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating sweet peas, such as the Lathyrus odoratus 'Maestro', is by sowing seeds. The best time to propagate sweet peas by seed is in late winter or early spring, ensuring they get a head start before the growing season. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating, which can enhance germination rates. After soaking, seeds are typically planted about an inch deep (2.54 cm) in well-draining soil. It's important to ensure they are spaced adequately to allow for proper growth, about 2 to 3 inches apart (5 to 7.5 cm). Germination can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days, after which the seedlings can be thinned or transplanted if necessary once they have grown strong enough to handle.
