Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red'
ABOUT
The plant Sweet Pea 'Minuet Red' features vibrant, deep red blossoms that are noted for their sweet fragrance. Each flower unfolds with a classic, fluttery sweet pea shape, with delicate, ruffled petals that cluster together to form a charming, rounded bloom. The flowers are borne atop slender, green stems that intertwine gracefully with one another, giving the plant a lush, full appearance. The foliage consists of tendrils and oblong leaflets that are a bright, healthy green, further accentuating the richness of the red flowers. This plant often attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the delightful display in any garden where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Fragrant Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red' is sweet pea. Sweet pea plants contain toxic compounds, specifically aminopropionitrile that can cause a condition called lathyrism if ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is a neurological disease that can lead to paralysis and skeletal deformations due to disrupting collagen synthesis. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning may include muscle weakness, tremors, lethargy, and seizures in severe cases. It is important to avoid ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the seeds, to prevent these possible consequences.
To pets
Sweet pea has the same level of toxicity for pets as it does for humans. The seeds are the most toxic part of the plant, and if a pet ingests a large quantity, it can lead to lathyrism, which affects the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Signs of sweet pea poisoning in pets might include weakness, tremors, lethargy, convulsions, and in extreme cases, paralysis. It is recommended to keep pets away from this plant to avoid the risk of ingestion and consequent poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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: The Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red', commonly known as sweet pea, offers vibrant red flowers that can enhance the visual allure of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are known for their delightful scent, which can add a layer of sensory pleasure to outdoor spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination and supporting local ecosystems.
- Vertical Gardening: Sweet peas are climbers and can be used to adorn trellises, fences, and other vertical structures, making them ideal for gardens with limited horizontal space.
- Cut Flowers: The blossoms of sweet peas make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements due to their beauty and fragrance.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas are annuals that can provide seasonal interest and variety when planted in succession or mixed with other annuals and perennials.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sweet pea 'Minuet Red' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, imparting subtle hues to textiles when the flowers are processed correctly.
- These flowers can be infused in oils to capture their scent, which can then be used in homemade perfumes or as a natural air freshener.
- Pressed sweet pea flowers are perfect for creating botanical artwork or adding an elegant touch to homemade greeting cards and bookmarks.
- The vines of the sweet pea can be woven into decorative wreaths or other forms of organic decor, offering an aromatic and aesthetic element to various crafts.
- When dried, sweet pea petals can be used to make potpourri, contributing a pleasant fragrance to your home decor.
- Sweet pea 'Minuet Red' can serve as an educational tool in gardening workshops or biology classes, illustrating principles of plant growth and pollination.
- These flowers can be used in photography as a vibrant prop or natural backdrop, enhancing the visual appeal of the photos.
- The stems of sweet peas can be used in basket-making, providing a unique texture and strength when dried properly.
- Sweet pea blossoms can be floated in bowls of water to create a simple and elegant table centerpiece for events or special occasions.
- Children can use sweet pea seeds in craft projects, such as making seed mosaics or decorating plant pots.
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, which includes the Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red', traditionally symbolizes pleasure that is often fleeting, highlighting the transient beauty of the flowers.
- Goodbye or Departure: Sweet pea can represent farewells as they were often used to say goodbye or to wish someone a good journey.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: Their delightful fragrance and delicate blossoms can convey gratitude for a pleasant experience or encounter.
- Delicate Pleasures: Due to the sweet and subtle scent of the sweet pea, they are commonly associated with the enjoyment of delicate and refined pleasures.
WaterSweet Peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red', prefer consistent moisture, so it's important to water them regularly without overwatering. They should be watered deeply once a week with about 1 inch of water or approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot. During hotter and drier periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy weather, reduce the frequency. Ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. It's best to water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightSweet Peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red', thrive in full sunlight which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in the garden that gets ample morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers. Avoiding intense afternoon sun can help prevent the flowers from fading and assist in prolonging the blooming period.
TemperatureSweet Peas including Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red' perform best in cool to moderate temperatures, with ideal growth occurring between 55°F and 65°F. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 25°F, but will stop growing if exposed to frost. The maximum temperature they can endure is around 80°F, beyond which they may start to wilt or fail to thrive.
PruningSweet Peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red' should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead regularly by removing spent flowers to prevent seed formation and promote continuous blooming. Pruning should be done every few weeks during the blooming season. The best time for cutting back stems is when they have three to four pairs of leaves, which will encourage new shoots.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Minuet Red' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix composed of loamy soil, peat, compost, and a small amount of sand to aid drainage will create an optimal growing environment for this cultivar.
RepottingSweet Peas such as 'Minuet Red' are typically sown directly into the garden and do not require repotting as they are annual plants. However, if started in containers, they should be planted out before becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Minuet Red' performs best in moderate humidity conditions. Avoid overly humid environments as this can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Sweet Pea 'Minuet Red'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensuring well-draining soil for outdoor Sweet Pea 'Minuet Red'.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Minuet Red' begins its life cycle when a hard-coated seed is sown and goes through a process called scarification, usually by natural means or through human intervention, to soften the coat for germination. After germination, the seedling sprouts and develops its first true leaves, with the appearance of the distinctive tendrils that allow the plant to climb. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where it grows vigorously, provided it has enough sunlight and support for climbing. Following the vegetative phase, the sweet pea blossoms, producing red fragrant flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Once pollination occurs, the plant sets seed pods, and as the pods mature, they eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. In regions with cold winters, the plant completes its annual cycle and dies with the first frost, while in milder climates, it may survive to the next season or self-seed.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Lathyrus odoratus 'Minuet Red', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Minuet Red', is most commonly propagated by seed. Ideally, seeds should be sown in late winter or early spring, depending on the climate. To improve germination rates, seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Provide the seedlings with support for climbing as they grow. Regular watering and a location with full sun will encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. It's important to note that Sweet Peas prefer cooler temperatures, so in warmer climates, it can be beneficial to start seeds indoors before the last frost.
