Species
Lathyrus odoratusSweet Pea15 other cultivars
‘Pulsar’Pulsar Sweet Pea
‘Cupani’Cupani Sweet Pea
‘Painted Lady’Painted Lady Sweet Pea
‘High Society’Sweet Pea 'High Society'
‘Nuance’Nuance Sweet Pea
‘Sugar Magnolia’Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea
‘Almost Black’Almost Black Sweet Pea
‘Enchante’Enchanted Sweet Pea
‘April in Paris’Sweet Pea 'April in Paris'
‘Black Knight’Sweet Pea 'Black Knight'
‘Blue Vein’Blue Veined Sweet Pea
‘Mrs Collier’Mrs. Collier Sweet Pea
‘Streamers Chocolate’Chocolate Streamers Sweet Pea
‘Wiltshire Ripple’Wiltshire Ripple Sweet Pea
‘Prince of Orange’Prince of Orange Sweet Pea
The Story
Plant Bio
Lathyrus odoratus is a climbing annual vine cherished for its intensely fragrant flowers. It uses tendrils to climb supports and produces abundant blooms perfect for cutting.
This Spencer-type cultivar is distinguished by its large, ruffled flowers with unique grey and maroon-purple flakes and streaks on a white background, creating a striking, smoky appearance.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
84 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Seeds are toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting
- Provide a trellis or support for climbing growth
- Water consistently, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain shape
Pro Tip
Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination success.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide support for climbing vines
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Prune after flowering to promote bushier growth
- Plant in well-drained soil
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't neglect support structures
- Do not fertilize during dormancy
- Avoid planting in heavy, poorly-drained soil
- Refrain from excessive pruning during late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Nimbus Sweet Pea questions
What zones can Nimbus Sweet Pea grow in?
Nimbus Sweet Pea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Nimbus Sweet Pea deer resistant?
Yes — Nimbus Sweet Pea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Nimbus Sweet Pea bloom?
Nimbus Sweet Pea typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Nimbus Sweet Pea need full sun?
Nimbus Sweet Pea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Lathyrus to compare
Pulsar Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Pulsar'
Cupani Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupani'
Erewhon Sweet Pea
Lathyrus x belinensis 'Erewhon'
Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Painted Lady Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Painted Lady'
Sweet Pea 'High Society'
Lathyrus odoratus 'High Society'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Nimbus Sweet Pea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.