Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Promise'
ABOUT
Lathyrus odoratus 'Promise', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Promise', is a captivating flowering plant known for its striking and colorful blooms. This attractive variety showcases flowers that are typically a rich, creamy hue, ranging from soft pastel shades to deeper tones with a delightful fragrance that is both sweet and intense, an attribute for which Sweet Peas are renowned. The flowers of the Sweet Pea 'Promise' present with a classic form, with each bloom consisting of large, fluttery petals that are often ruffled or waved, giving them a plush, intricate appearance. The blossoms grow in clusters on slender stalks, creating an elegant display of color that appears to float above the foliage. The plant's foliage is made up of bright green leaves, which are small and pointed, almost resembling tendrils. These leaves create a vivid backdrop for the flowers, emphasizing their beauty. The wiry stems, to which both the leaves and flowers are attached, intertwine and climb, often requiring support such as trellis or netting to showcase their full splendor as they reach upward. Overall, Sweet Pea 'Promise' is a plant of refined beauty, with its striking flowers and pleasant scent making it a favorite in gardens where it can be appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and fragrance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Sweetpea, Garden Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the 'Promise' cultivar, is considered mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning can include convulsions, paralysis, and in some cases, can be fatal. The seeds are the most toxic part of the plant. If sweet pea seeds are eaten, especially if they are raw and in large amounts, an individual may exhibit symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and tremors. Chronic ingestion can lead to a condition called lathyrism, which can cause irreversible paralysis and skeletal muscle damage.
To pets
Sweet pea is also toxic to pets. If dogs, cats, or other household animals ingest sweet pea, especially the seeds, they could experience similar toxicity symptoms as humans. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures, tremors, or even death. The toxic principle in sweet pea is thought to be a group of compounds known as aminopropionitrile, which can interfere with enzyme function and disrupt the metabolism. Pet owners should prevent their animals from having access to the plant, particularly the seeds, and seek veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
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
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sweet pea 'Promise' adds color and beauty to any garden with its attractive blooms.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: Sweet peas attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that pollinate plants.
- Vertical Interest: Can be grown on trellises or supports, adding vertical interest to garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: Blooms are ideal for use in floral arrangements, adding charm and fragrance indoors.
- Variety of Colors: Offers a range of colors for personalized garden color schemes.
- Easy to Grow: Generally easy for beginners to cultivate successfully.
- Seasonal Screen: Can be used to create a temporary green screen in the spring and summer months.
- Companion Planting: Sweet peas can be planted alongside other garden plants to create a diverse and attractive landscape.
- Heritage Plant: As a classic garden plant, it has been cherished by generations of gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: The sweet pea 'Promise' is commonly used in floral arrangements due to its attractive blossoms and pleasant fragrance.
- Photography Prop: Its vibrant colors and delicate form make sweet pea 'Promise' a popular choice for photographers seeking to add natural beauty to their compositions.
- Wedding Decor: Because of its romantic appearance and scent, sweet pea 'Promise' is often used in wedding bouquets and venue decorations.
- Educational Resource: Horticulture courses may use sweet pea 'Promise' as an example for study in plant growth, genetics, and breeding techniques.
- Craft Projects: The dried seed pods of sweet pea 'Promise' can be used in various craft projects, such as making natural seed pod containers or ornaments.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners may plant sweet pea 'Promise' alongside vegetables to attract pollinators to their gardens, supporting the growth of other plants.
- Natural Dye: The flowers of sweet pea 'Promise' can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering shades ranging from soft greens to purples, depending on the mordant used.
- Garden Aesthetic: Sweet pea 'Promise' is planted to create visually appealing garden themes, like cottage gardens or pastel color schemes.
- Children's Garden: Sweet pea 'Promise' can be planted in children's gardens due to its non-toxic nature, providing an interactive experience as children learn to care for and appreciate flowers.
- Seed Harvesting: As an heirloom variety, sweet pea 'Promise' seeds can be collected at the end of the season for future planting, promoting sustainability and seed sharing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea, is often associated with blissful pleasure, thanks to its intoxicating fragrance and delicate blossoms.
- Goodbye and Departure: Sweet Pea also carries the meaning of saying goodbye or signaling a departure, perhaps because it can be given when one wishes a fond farewell.
- Thankfulness: Gifting Sweet Peas can be an expression of gratitude, a way to say thank you for a kind gesture or a pleasant time.
- Lasting Pleasure: The bloom of the Sweet Pea symbolizes pleasures that endure, possibly due to its long-lasting fragrance and the extended blooming season of some varieties.
- Delicate Pleasure: The delicate nature of the Sweet Pea's flowers signifies a sensitive, subtle enjoyment akin to the quiet enjoyment of a pleasant, fleeting moment.
WaterSweet peas require regular watering especially during dry spells but be cautious not to overwater them. They prefer their soil to be moist but not soggy. Generally, watering them with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week should suffice. During particularly hot and dry weather, you may need to increase watering frequency to keep the soil consistently moist. It's best to water these plants at ground level in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
LightSweet peas thrive best in full sun, meaning they require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of light with minimal shade for best growth. However, in extremely hot climates, sweet peas may benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat.
TemperatureSweet peas grow best in cool to moderate temperatures, with ideal conditions ranging from 55°F to 65°F. They can survive in temperatures as low as 25°F but are not tolerant of heat, often struggling in areas where the temperature rises above 80°F. To ensure vigorous growth and flowering, plant them in an area where they can enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during night-time.
PruningPruning sweet peas is essential for encouraging more blooms and maintaining a tidy growth habit. Pinch out the growing tips after the plant has developed a few pairs of leaves to promote bushier growth. Regularly deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will prevent the plants from putting energy into seed production and instead produce more flowers. Prune sweet peas throughout the blooming season to maximize flower production.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-drained, rich, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good mix might include peat, compost, well-rotted manure, and perlite to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingSweet peas are typically sown directly where they are to flower and are not commonly repotted, but if started in pots, transplant before they become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas prefer moderate humidity levels, they thrive around 50-70% humidity which aligns with average outdoor conditions in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, support for climbing, and well-drained soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, rich soil, provide climbing support, and thin seedlings.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Promise' starts its life as a seed, typically planted in late winter or early spring after the threat of frost has passed. Upon germination, it grows a root system and shoots that develop into young seedlings, which gradually mature into climbing plants with the aid of supporting structures. As the plant grows, it develops compound leaves with tendrils that enable it to climb, and it eventually produces fragrant flowers, usually from late spring or early summer. After pollination, often by bees or butterflies attracted by the flowers' scent and color, seed pods form and mature on the plant. The seeds within these pods can be collected at the end of the growing season when the pods become brown and dry. The plant typically completes its life cycle in one growing season, dying back after seed maturation, although in some climates or with proper care, it may survive to bloom for a second year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Lathyrus odoratus 'Promise', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Promise', is typically propagated by seeds. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is either in late fall or early spring. When sowed in the fall, the seeds can overwinter, allowing for an early start in spring. However, in colder climates, it is more common to start the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date to protect them from the harsh winter conditions. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil about 1 inch deep and spaced 2 to 3 inches apart. For improved germination, seeds can be nicked with a file and soaked in water for 24 hours (about 30 mL) before planting. Once the seedlings emerge and grow strong enough, they can be transplanted outside to their final growing location following the last frost.
