Also known as Sweet Pea · 512 saves
Lathyrus
Lathyrus, the genus most gardeners know as sweet pea. We track 18 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 18 most-saved Lathyrus varieties
Species of Lathyrus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lathyrus in Sow
Save the Lathyrus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lathyrus
Whats common across all Lathyrus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 18 most-grown of them.
The Lathyrus year
- PlantJanuary–March100% of varieties
Sow seeds early spring or transplant seedlings after hardening off
- StakeMarch and April100% of varieties
Install a trellis or support structure early for the vigorous vine
- HarvestApril–July100% of varieties
Cut flowers frequently for bouquets when 1-2 buds are open
- Pinch TipsMarch and April89% of varieties
Pinch growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall for bushier growth
- FertilizeApril–June72% of varieties
Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly once blooming begins
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
- Prune after flowering to promote new growth
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during flowering
What goes wrong with Lathyrus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply a fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Introduce natural predators or spray with water |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on stems and leaves | Use insecticidal soap or miticides |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, soft roots | Reduce watering and improve soil drainage |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use fungicidal spray and improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Lathyrus
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep humid and wait 6 weeks for roots to develop.
Seed
- Tuck soaked seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil temperature around 65-70°F for germination.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks, thin seedlings as needed.
Lathyrus questions
How many types of Lathyrus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 18 distinct Lathyrus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 512 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lathyrus grow in?
Across its varieties, Lathyrus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lathyrus bloom?
Most Lathyrus varieties bloom in spring to summer, late spring to summer, late spring, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lathyrus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.