One of the most captivating aspects of the Sweet Pea is its wide range of colors and patterns. From vibrant blues, purples, pinks, and reds to softer pastel hues, there is a Sweet Pea variety to suit every gardener's preference.

In the United States, it is the birth flower for April, symbolizing purity and renewal.

Let's delve into the enchanting world of sweet peas and discover 10 astonishing facts that will leave you in awe.

1. Sicily, Italy, is the original home of sweet peas, first identified in the 17th century.
In Latin, they are called the fragrant pea, Lathyrus odoratus.

2. Sweet Pea is not actually a pea, but a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family.
The seeds of this plant contain toxins, making it unsuitable for human or animal consumption.

3. Henry Eckford, a horticulturist from Scotland, bred the modern sweet peas in the 19th century.

4. Sweet peas enrich the land they grow in.
They possess the unique ability to grab nitrogen from the air and infuse it into the soil in a form that plants can use.

5. The Sweet Pea thrives in cooler climates and is often grown as an annual in regions with hot summers. Its optimum temperature range for growth is between 60°F and 65°F (15°C and 18°C).
This flower isn't afraid of the cold and can thrive in temperatures of 23°F (-5°C) with proper care.

6. Sweet peas are resilient once established, and just cutting down the plant won't eliminate these flowers. Because it spreads underground via rhizomes.

7. With their long stems and climbing nature, sweet peas can grow incredibly tall in the right conditions, reaching 8 feet (2.4 meters).

8. Sweet peas are powerfully scented.
Their scent is like a honeysuckle, jasmine, and lilac mix with citrus, amber, or sandalwood notes.

9. Sweet peas are sensitive to ethylene, which can cause their petals to wilt and delay flowering.
So keep your sweet peas far from fruit like apples, bananas, and tomatoes that produce ethylene when ripening.

10. Sweet peas, often used in weddings, are romantic flowers believed to symbolize youthful love.

These were just 10 astonishing facts about Sweet Pea that highlight its beauty, versatility, and cultural significance.

Whether you are an avid gardener or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, the Sweet Pea is undoubtedly a remarkable plant worth exploring and incorporating into your garden.

Sources
Giving Ground Seeds / Wikipedia / CAL IPC / Cargo Handbook / Three Acre Farm / Trips of Somerset / Shifting Roots / LOV Flowers / Symbol Sage / Fine Gardening / Image credit: Freckled Californian