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Description
Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly, commonly known as sweet pea, is an annual plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a climbing plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and produce fragrant flowers from late spring to mid-summer. The flowers come in a range of colors, including white, pink, lavender, and purple. The plant is native to Italy and southern Europe but has become popular in gardens worldwide due to its beauty and fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly has a slender stem that can grow up to 6 feet tall, depending on the support it receives. The leaves are green and oval-shaped, with a length of up to 2 inches. The flowers are the most striking feature of this plant, with their sweet fragrance and vibrant colors. They can grow up to 2 inches in diameter and have a unique shape with a hood-like upper petal and two lower petals. The plant produces small, oval-shaped pods that contain seeds.
Care Guide
To keep your Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly healthy and blooming, you need to follow these care guidelines:Water: Sweet peas need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply once a week or more often if the soil feels dry.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.Soil: Sweet peas prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a good quality potting mix if you are growing the plant in a container.Sunlight: This plant needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. Plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.Hardiness Zones: Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly grows best in hardiness zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sweet peas can be affected by a few pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, and prune any infected leaves or stems. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
Habitat
Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly is native to Italy and southern Europe but can grow in various regions worldwide. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is commonly grown in gardens, on balconies, or in containers.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I propagate Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly?
A: You can propagate sweet peas by collecting the seeds after the pods have dried up. Sow the seeds in the soil in early spring or late fall.Q: How often should I fertilize my Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly?
A: Fertilize your sweet pea every two weeks during the growing season.Q: Can I grow Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow sweet peas indoors in a well-lit area.Q: What colors do the flowers of Lathyrus Odoratus Jilly come in?
A: The flowers of sweet peas come in a range of colors, including white, pink, lavender, and purple.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Lathyrus genus include:
- Lathyrus Aphaca
- Lathyrus Grandiflorus
- Lathyrus Latifolius
- Lathyrus Tuberosus
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/sweet-pea/growing-sweet-peas.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/60538/lathyrus-odoratus-jilly/details
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/sweet-pea/
- https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/how-to-grow-sweet-peas
