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How to Grow Sweet Pea

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

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Supplies You'll Need

Flower Garden Soil Pruning Shears Garden Gloves Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Lathyrus odoratus
Category flower
Days to Maturity 65 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

Spacing

6" apart

Depth

1" deep

Height

4-6 ft

Germination

10-21 days

Ready to Grow Sweet Pea?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

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Seed Saving Guide

Easy
Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed pods to dry and turn tan on the vine. Pick before they pop open and throw seeds.

Processing

Shell dried pods, spread seeds to dry 1 week before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Sweet peas are self-pollinating before flowers open — excellent for keeping varieties pure.

Seed Storage Supplies

Seed Envelopes Mylar Storage Bags Silica Gel Packets Seed Organizer

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Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Sweet Pea. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Sweet Pea Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Sweet Pea Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Pea? +

Sow Sweet Pea seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Sweet Pea take to grow? +

Sweet Pea typically blooms in about 65 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Sweet Pea indoors or direct sow? +

Sweet Pea does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Sweet Pea need? +

Sweet Pea requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Sweet Pea? +

Space Sweet Pea plants 6 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Sweet Pea need? +

Sweet Pea has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Sweet Pea? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Sweet Pea is rated easy. Allow seed pods to dry and turn tan on the vine. Pick before they pop open and throw seeds. Shell dried pods, spread seeds to dry 1 week before storing.

How long do Sweet Pea seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Sweet Pea seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Sweet Pea seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Sweet Pea is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Sweet Pea

Fragrant climbing annual with delicate, jewel-colored blooms. Sow early — needs cool weather to establish. Soak seeds overnight before planting for better germination.

Expect your Sweet Pea to be ready for harvest in approximately 65 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.