Annual
Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Varieties We Carry
GrandifloraLathyrus odoratusStandardLathyrus odoratusCompact Deep RedLathyrus odoratus
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$3.50
12 inFrom$24.95
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$19.95
7 galFrom$24.95
Seed PackFrom$3.99
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size3-6 feet (climbing) × 6-12 inches
About Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus, the sweet pea, is a cool-season climbing annual from Sicily and southern Italy, prized for its intensely fragrant, butterfly-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. A classic cottage-garden vine grown on trellises or fences, it is widely cultivated for its extraordinary fragrance and as a cut flower. Starting at $3.50.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Winter
- Flower Color
- White, Red, Pink, Purple, Multi
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Well-drained, Amended
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Bloom season. Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Grow sweet pea in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. In NE Florida, afternoon shade can help extend the blooming period during warm spells.
Water
Keep soil evenly and consistently moist throughout the growing season. In Florida's sandy soils, water regularly — about 1 inch per week — to prevent premature wilting and bud drop.
Soil & Fertilizer
Amend sandy Florida soil generously with compost and lime to raise pH toward neutral. Use a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer at planting; apply phosphorus-rich liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during bloom to fuel flower production.
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Common questions
Is Sweet Pea a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sweet Pea is a annual for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-6 feet (climbing) × 6-12 inches.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.