TheNaturePlanet

Sweet pea, with the scientific name Lathyrus odoratus, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Lathyrus in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Sicily, Italy. With its elegant flower appearance, charming fragrance and rich colors, it has become a favorite among flowers and is deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts.

The flowering period of sweet pea usually lasts from spring to early summer, approximately for 2 - 3 weeks. The flowers have a unique shape, with soft-textured petals. There are a wide variety of flower colors, including red, pink, white, purple, blue and so on, and the color combinations complement each other perfectly. Its flower fragrance is delicate, pleasant, sweet but not cloying. When the breeze blows, the fragrance spreads everywhere, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Sweet pea is usually sown in autumn. First of all, it is necessary to select healthy, plump seeds that are free from pests and diseases. Prepare soil that is loose, breathable, has good drainage and is rich in organic matter. You can mix leaf mold, peat soil and perlite in a ratio of 3:2:1. Sprinkle the seeds evenly on the surface of the soil, gently cover them with a thin layer of soil about 1 - 2 centimeters thick, and then water thoroughly to keep the soil moist. Under suitable temperatures (15 - 20 °C), the seeds will germinate in about a week.

When planting sweet pea, it is necessary to provide it with sufficient sunlight, but avoid being exposed to the scorching sun in summer. It can be planted in a sunny but slightly shaded position, such as beside the fence in the courtyard or on the east side of the balcony. When the seedlings grow to a height of 10 - 15 centimeters, it is necessary to set up supports in time for them to climb and grow. The supports can be bamboo poles, wooden sticks or wire meshes, etc., and the height is generally about 1.5 - 2 meters.

In terms of daily maintenance, sweet pea likes moisture but is afraid of waterlogging. During the growth period, keep the soil moist. Water it once every 2 - 3 days. In hot summer, the frequency of watering needs to be increased, but attention should be paid to drainage to prevent waterlogging. Fertilization should follow the principle of applying thin fertilizers frequently. During the vigorous growth period, apply a thin liquid fertilizer once every 1 - 2 weeks. During the bud-forming stage, increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote flower bud differentiation and flowering. At the same time, pay attention to pruning the withered flowers and dead branches in time to keep the plants beautiful and ensure good ventilation and light transmission, so as to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.