Species
Lathyrus odoratusSweet Pea15 other cultivars
‘Pulsar’Pulsar Sweet Pea
‘Cupani’Cupani Sweet Pea
‘High Society’Sweet Pea 'High Society'
‘Nuance’Nuance Sweet Pea
‘Nimbus’Nimbus 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
Climbing annual with fragrant flowers.
Distinctive bicolor flowers with maroon and white markings.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
36 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial in mild climates
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings lightly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Provide support such as trellises for climbing growth early on.
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogging during the growing season.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage blooms.
- Prune spent flowers to foster continuous flowering and tidy appearance.
Pro Tip
Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination rates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Pinch back young shoots to promote bushier growth
- Use a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall to avoid encouraging unwanted growth
- Never forget to support climbing stems to prevent damage
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Painted Lady Sweet Pea questions
What zones can Painted Lady Sweet Pea grow in?
Painted Lady Sweet Pea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Painted Lady Sweet Pea deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Painted Lady Sweet Pea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Painted Lady Sweet Pea bloom?
Painted Lady 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 Painted Lady Sweet Pea need full sun?
Painted Lady 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
Sweet Pea 'High Society'
Lathyrus odoratus 'High Society'
Nuance Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Nuance'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Painted Lady 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.