There are two main varieties of Sweet Peas:
Lathyrus
odoratus, which is an annual and is popularly known as "The Queen of
Annuals". This variety is fragrant, and comes in a multitude of colours
except for yellow. Seeds should be treated with a Nitrogen fixing bacteria
using a culture such as Nitracin and then soaked for several hours to soften
the coats. Seeds are planted in spring after the last frost in well drained,
fertilizer enriched soil. Pinch the plant back when it is 4" high to
encourage strong side branching. Pinch off blooms as they die to extend the
growing season. Most annual varieties prefer cool, damper climates and have
difficulty in high temperature areas.
Lathyrus
latifolius is a perennial sweet pea variety. It is non-fragrant, and also
comes in varieties of white, purple, pink, red, blue, and yellow. The perennial
Sweet Pea can be planted to climb on fences, trellises, or rocks. When planted
in late fall or early spring in well drained, fertlized soil, the perennial
Sweet Pea will bloom the following year. Removing dead flowers will extend the
growing season. Perennial Sweet Peas are hardy from zones 3-10, and are much
more tolerant of different climate types.
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