Lathyrus sativus

ELECTRIC BLUE SWEET PEA

Lathyrus sativus
ELECTRIC BLUE SWEET PEA

 Azure blue pea flowers with pink centres, make Lathyrus sativus something special to have in the garden.
Such glowing colour from a flock of dainty blooms in spring & summer.
So although each flower is much smaller than a modern Sweet Pea, the exceptional colour and dainty mass of peas, make them a “must have”.
It really is an Electric Blue Sweet Pea.

Lathyrus sativus is a self-twining annual climber, just like normal modern Sweet Peas.
But it is very much longer blooming, and much more forgiving of hotter weather.

Stems make excellent cut flowers and eye catching vases, despite each flower’s petite size.
And they look wonderful twining amongst larger and coarser flowers (rather like you use Baby’s Breath Gypsophila as a contrast).

You can grow Lathyrus sativus up a trellis, or let it do its own thing to grow as a garden mound. And it is especially delightful spill down the edges of a pot.

Plant in Sun.
Just like other peas it enjoys well drained soil, that has been well enriched with compost and organic matter.
Though if necessary it can tolerate a wide a range of soil types, from light sandy, through average garden loam, to heavy clay. It is not fussy about acid, neutral, or alkaline soils.

Lathyrus sativus was once an important food crop, particularly in areas prone to drought. Because it could be relied on to produce food, even in the bad years.
However it is not recommended for human consumption these days, due to the possibility of a build up of neuro-toxins now known to be present. But it is still sought for traditional dishes in Spain and Portugal, and throughout the Middle East and Asia.
Best treated as purely a very beautifully coloured decorative plant.

Self twining climber to 1.2m H approx.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Sow directly in garden in autumn or early spring / or sow indoors in pots.

First soak seeds overnight in clean water.

Plant seeds 2.5cm (1”) deep in sunny spot, in well enriched soil.

Seedlings emerge 12-28 days.

SEED COUNT: 5 seeds per pack approx.
These seeds are rarely offered and scarce.