Horti Tops® Lathyrus odoratus Bijou mixed

Lathyrus odoratus Bijou mixed (Lathyrus odoratus)

The Perfume of Summer

WARNING: Sweet peas are NOT edible peas. The seeds are toxic and should never be eaten.

Sweet peas are grown for one reason above all: their intoxicating fragrance. Nothing else smells quite like a sweet pea – a complex blend of honey, orange blossom, and something indefinably “sweet pea.” Modern varieties often sacrifice scent for color, so seek out old-fashioned types for best fragrance.

Growing for Maximum Scent

Choose fragrant varieties: Old-fashioned and “grandiflora” types are most fragrant. Spencer types are beautiful but often less scented.

Pick frequently: Regular cutting encourages more flowers. If pods form, plants stop blooming.

Plant in succession: In mild climates, fall planting produces spring flowers; spring planting produces summer flowers.

Growing Sweet Peas

Sweet peas need cool weather – they stop blooming in heat. Soak or chip seeds before planting to aid germination. Provide strong support as they climb vigorously. Plant deeply in rich soil. Water consistently but do not fertilize heavily – excess nitrogen reduces flowers.

Growing Lathyrus odoratus Bijou mixed