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Description
Lathyrus Odoratus Mrs Bernard Jones, also known as sweet pea, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a climbing annual plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant produces fragrant, colorful flowers that bloom in the summer. Sweet pea has a long history of cultivation for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers and pleasant fragrance. The plant is also used in the perfume industry to create fragrances.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
Sweet pea has a slender stem that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are made up of two oval-shaped leaflets and a branched tendril. The flowers are fragrant and come in a variety of colors such as pink, purple, red, and white. The flowers have a distinctive shape with five petals that form a funnel-like tube. Sweet pea blooms in the summer and produces a pod-like fruit that contains seeds.
Care Guide
Sweet pea requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for sweet pea:- Water: Sweet pea requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to water the plant too much.- Fertilization: Sweet pea benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Sweet pea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.- Sunlight: Sweet pea requires full sun to partial shade. Plant the sweet pea in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Sweet pea is hardy in USDA zones 2-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sweet pea is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from sweet pea leaves and stems. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powder-like substance to form on the leaves of sweet pea. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of sweet pea leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
Habitat
Sweet pea is native to Italy and the Aegean Islands. It has been widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world for hundreds of years. Sweet pea prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can sweet pea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, sweet pea can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should sweet pea be fertilized?
A: Sweet pea should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to plant sweet pea?
A: Sweet pea should be planted in the early spring or fall.
Q: Can sweet pea be used in the perfume industry?
A: Yes, sweet pea is used in the perfume industry to create fragrances.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to sweet pea:- Lathyrus latifolius- Lathyrus vernus- Lathyrus sylvestris
References
– “Sweet Pea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a943.- “Lathyrus odoratus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18596/Lathyrus-odoratus/Details.
