Perennial sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius, zones 3-9) is an aggressive, very long-lived climber that reaches 5-6 feet and spreads. The pink, lavender and white blooms open in summer and keep coming past frost.
Sow 1/2 inch deep; soaking seeds overnight aids sprouting. Sprouts appear in 7-14 days at 55-65ºF soil. Space 4-6 inches apart in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Plants reach 24-30 inches in the first season and bloom in 75-85 days. All parts are poisonous and not edible.
Features
Vining habit for fences and arbors
Mix of pink, lavender and white
Blooms past frost
Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
Light: Full sun
Safety: All parts poisonous, not edible
Spacing: 4-6 inches apart
Life cycle: Perennial for zones 3-9
Seed count: 20 seeds
Germination: 7-14 days
Sowing depth: 1/2 inch deep
Indoor sowing: 6-8 weeks before transplanting in early to mid-spring
