Annual sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) produce clusters of beautifully fragrant flowers in a wide range of colours, including shades of pink, purple, red, blue, and white. The flowers have a distinctive sweet fragrance, which intensifies in the evening, making them ideal for cutting and bringing indoors to enjoy in bouquets and floral arrangements. Their climbing habit makes them an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to gardens, borders, and containers.
They prefer cooler growing conditions and are typically planted in early spring or late winter in temperate climates. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil with good fertility. In regions with hot summers, it's best to plant sweet peas in a location where they receive some protection from the intense afternoon sun. Providing adequate moisture and regular deadheading can help prolong flowering and encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.