What do sweet pea seeds look like?
If you are rooting around in the deep dark depths of your seed tin and come across some seeds which you think may be sweet peas but you’re not 100% sure then you will be wondering what sweet pea seeds look like.
Luckily for you, I have a photo below. This is of three different varieties of sweet peas and even includes a dwarf mix. As you can see from the photo the seeds are very similar, no matter the variety.
I have included a bottle cap from a large pop bottle for an idea of scale. These are fairly large seeds but nowhere near as big as regular pea seeds.
They do have a very hard shell which is why lots of growers like to give the seeds a good soak in water before planting.
If you are planning on growing your sweet peas from seed then make sure to read my guide.
More on Sweetpeas
sweet peas, (Lathyrus odoratus) are a flowering plant belonging to the legume family. They are an annual flower that loves to climb and spread, in the right conditions and with the correct support they can grow to 2 and a half meters tall!
Unlike many other legumes which are grown to be eaten, sweet peas are grown for purely aesthetic reasons. There is evidence to suggest that the pea seeds from a sweet pea plant are actually toxic to humans and not fit for consumption even if this was desired.
Sweetpea FAQ’s
Are sweet peas perennial?
No sweet peas are an annual plant, they will not come back year after year.
Can you eat sweetpeas?
No, sweet peas are grown purely for their looks. Unlike many other legumes, they are actually toxic to humans if consumed.
Are sweet peas poisonous to pets?
Yes, as they are poisonous to humans they are also poisonous to pets, so make sure you keep an eye on your pets when they are hovering around sweet peas.
How high can sweet peas grow?
With the proper support, sweet peas can grow to 2m or even slightly above!
When do you grow sweet peas?
The traditional season for sweet peas is June and July but with the right care and attention, they can be both started earlier and grown later into the season. Regular deadheading of sweetpeas can massively prolong their flowering period.
How to germinate sweet peas?
I like to soak my sweet pea seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in a seed tray. This soaking helps to break down the tough shell around the seed allowing them to germinate better.
