How to Grow Lathyrus

Lathyrus are better known as Sweet peas and are annual or herbaceous perennial plants. Most varieties will climb and scramble through a trellis or shrub. Lathyrus display pinnate leaves and distinctive, showy fan-like petals that are fragrant in some species. It is suggested that these plants are kept upon banks and slopes or along wall side borders. You should expect to see your plants grow to an approximate height of 2m (7’) and a spread of 1m (3’).

Lathyrus are best planted in well-drained soil of chalk, clay, sand or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Prepare your soil with a generous amount of compost and well-rotted manure, mixing thoroughly with the native soil. Dig a hole that is an appropriate depth and width to accommodate your plant and water thoroughly once in place. Lathyrus are best positioned in an area of full sun although the roots prefer cool, moist soil.

Provide a generous layer of mulch during the summer to retain moisture levels and suppress weeds. You should also provide sufficient water throughout active growth and during prolonged periods of dry weather. Remove spent flower heads as this will promote prolonged blooming.

It is possible to propagate Lathyrus by seed in the spring or in the autumn.