Sweet pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Also called Sweetpea
Garden plant · ClimbersPICK IT OR IT STOPS. Every pod it is allowed to set tells the plant its year is done, and a row left unpicked for a fortnight in July never flowers again.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 2 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to light shade
- Feed
- Once a fortnight
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Half-hardy — a light frost RHS H3, to -5°C
- Size
- 1.8 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Origin
- Sicily and southern Italy
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The pods and seeds.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.