Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue'
ABOUT
The plant known as sweet pea, specifically the 'Minuet Blue' variety, boasts an array of attractive features that lend it an ornamental flair in gardens and floral arrangements. The most striking attribute is the flower itself, which is characterized by its beautiful blue hues. These delicate blooms often have a bicolored look, combining shades of deep blue with softer, lavender tones that may possess an almost ruffled appearance at the edges. The flowers are typically arranged in small clusters that create an elegant display of color and form. Complementing the flowers, the foliage of the 'Minuet Blue' sweet pea consists of slender, green leaflets that are light and feathery, adding a sense of fine texture to the overall look of the plant. The leaves are usually paired, creating a symmetrical composition along the stem, which provides support for the blossoms as they adorn the plant. The stems themselves are slender and graceful, serving as a subtle backdrop that allows the flowers to take center stage. In terms of the plant's aromatic properties, sweet peas like the 'Minuet Blue' are known for their delightful fragrance, which can be described as sweet and almost reminiscent of orange blossoms or honey, making them a favorite for perfuming outdoor spaces and indoor arrangements alike. The combination of visual charm and olfactory pleasure makes the 'Minuet Blue' sweet pea a sought-after variety for those who appreciate both beauty and fragrance in their garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Sweetpea, Perennial Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue'
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including 'Minuet Blue', is considered mildly toxic to humans when ingested. It contains a compound called Lathyrogens, which, if consumed in large quantities, can lead to a condition known as lathyrism. Symptoms of lathyrism can include paralysis, labored breathing, convulsions, and potentially fatal central nervous system damage. It is important to avoid eating any part of the sweet pea plant, especially the seeds, to prevent poisoning.
To pets
Sweet pea, including 'Minuet Blue', is also toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant can cause similar toxic effects in animals as it does in humans, with symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and potentially more serious neurological effects like ataxia or paralysis. As with humans, the seeds are particularly toxic, but all parts of the plant should be considered dangerous for pets to consume.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue', commonly known as sweet pea, adds visual charm to gardens with its delicate blue flowers and attractive foliage.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are well known for their strong and sweet fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of any garden or floral arrangement.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the sweet pea attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing plant, sweet peas can be trained up trellises or supports, adding height and structure to garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers that can be used in bouquets and vases, bringing the garden's beauty indoors.
- Cool-Season Gardening: Sweet peas thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, providing color and interest during times when many other plants may not be in bloom.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Variety: Available in multiple colors and forms, sweet peas offer gardeners options for different garden themes and color schemes.
- Edible Qualities: Although they should be eaten in moderation, sweet peas have edible tendrils and flowers that can be used to garnish or add flair to dishes.
- Fast Growth: Sweet peas have a rapid growth rate, allowing gardeners to enjoy their blooms relatively quickly after planting.
- Seed Saving: Gardeners can save seeds from sweet peas for future planting, promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Sweet pea's vivid blue blooms can inspire artists and photographers seeking natural beauty for their works.
- Educational Tool: Gardeners and educators may use sweet pea to teach principles of plant growth and genetics, due to its Mendelian inheritance patterns.
- Natural Dye: The petals of sweet pea can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or artwork, providing a range of blue and purple hues.
- Perfumery: The scent of sweet pea flowers can be used in the making of natural perfumes or scented sachets for drawers and closets.
- Floral Language and Symbolism: Sweet pea is used to convey messages of departure, goodbyes, or blissful pleasure in the language of flowers.
- Companion Planting: Sweet pea can be planted alongside certain vegetables like beans to act as a natural support structure for the climbing plants.
- Wedding Decor: The flowers of sweet pea are often used in wedding bouquets and centerpieces for their delicate appearance and alluring fragrance.
- Culinary Garnish: Although the plant is not edible and some parts are toxic if ingested, sweet pea flowers can occasionally be used as a non-toxic garnish for culinary presentation.
- Floral Arranging Workshops: Sweet pea is commonly used in floral design classes to teach techniques for incorporating delicate and fragrant flowers into arrangements.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried sweet pea petals can be used as natural, biodegradable confetti for celebrations or eco-friendly events.
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 often symbolizes blissful pleasure, capturing the joyful and sweet moments that provide contentment.
- Goodbye: Giving sweet peas can mean bidding farewell or signaling a departure, wishing someone the bittersweet sentiments of leaving.
- Kindness: Sweet pea represents tender care and gestures of kindness, signifying gentle thoughts and amiable intentions towards others.
- Delicate or Blissful Pleasure: As a delicate flower, sweet pea comes to signify pleasures that are momentary, reflecting the fleeting nature of happiness.
WaterSweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue', generally prefer consistent moisture. During the growing season, water the plants thoroughly once a week, providing about one inch of water. This may need to be increased to twice a week during periods of extreme heat or if they are in containers, which tend to dry out faster. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and other diseases, so water at the base of the plant. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist but not soggy, to ensure you are not overwatering.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sun, so Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue' will perform best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot is one that gets morning sunlight, which is less intense and helps to dry dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. These plants can tolerate partial shade but may not bloom as prolifically.
TemperatureSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue' prefer cooler conditions and can survive in temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. However, the ideal growing temperatures for them are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged heat, especially above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause the plant to stop flowering and potentially even go dormant.
PruningPruning is essential for sweet peas to encourage more blooms and extend their flowering season. For Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue', deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. The best time for more significant pruning, such as cutting back leggy stems, is in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Prune annually to maintain plant health and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue' thrive best in a soil mix that offers good drainage while retaining some moisture. An ideal mix would be one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sharp sand or perlite to enhance drainage. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.5 and 7.5, to foster healthy growth.
RepottingSweet peas, such as Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue', typically do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. If grown in containers, they can be transplanted into a larger pot when the roots fill the current one, normally done at the seedling stage before planting out.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue', perform well in average garden humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements, but they appreciate not being too dry and will benefit from the moisture in the air of a typical outdoor setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near bright window with some direct sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleFor Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Minuet Blue', the life cycle begins with the planting of seeds in early spring or autumn, ideally after a period of soaking or chipping to encourage germination. Upon germination, seedlings emerge, typically within 10 to 21 days, depending on soil temperature. As the seedlings grow, they develop a climbing habit and require support, like trellises or stakes, for their tendrils to cling to. The vegetative stage continues with the development of compound leaves followed by flowering typically in late spring or early summer, showcasing the plant's fragrant deep blue flowers. After pollination, usually by bees or other insects, the flowers are succeeded by the formation of pods that contain seeds. At the end of the growing season, the plant can either be left to self-seed, or the pods can be collected for seed harvesting before the plant dies back with the onset of colder weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Blue', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Minuet Blue', is best propagated through seed sowing. Seeds are often started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost to get a head start on the growing season. In warmer climates, seeds can be sown directly into the garden in late winter or early spring when the soil can be worked. To maximize germination, many gardeners recommend a process called scarification, which entails nicking the hard outer coating of the seed or soaking it in water for several hours (ideally overnight) before planting. Once prepared, seeds should be planted about an inch deep (2.54 cm, or 25.4 mm) in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. It's important to provide support for climbing as the plant grows, ensuring the tendrils can grasp and climb effectively.
