Flower Library
Sweet Peas
Lathyrus odoratus · Fabaceae
Sweet peas are one of the most delicate cut flowers — paper-thin, ruffled petals in pastels, with a fine sweet scent. A classic in English gardens, less common in Germany but very popular with wedding florists.
- Season
- April – May – June – July
- Vase life
- 4–7 days
- Latin name
- Lathyrus odoratus
- Colors
- Soft pink, Lavender, White, Cream, Burgundy, Bicolour
Season April to July from European cultivation. Sweet peas are hand-cut and very fragile in transport — accordingly expensive.
Scent is half their charm: sweet, slightly honeyed, not overwhelming like hyacinths. In a bridal bouquet noticeable up close.
In wild-meadow bouquets as a delicate accent, in romantic bridal bouquets as a main component alongside peonies and ranunculus.
Is Sweet Peas toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs. All plant parts contain lathyrogens, with the highest concentration in the seeds. Ingestion mainly irritates the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy). Keep the vase out of reach.
Typical symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy; eating larger amounts of seeds can also cause weakness, tremors and seizures.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Very delicate — unpack carefully.
- 02Cut stems at an angle, place in shallow water (4–5 cm).
- 03Keep cool, away from warmth.
- 04Change water daily (sap clouds fast).
Frequently asked
- Why are sweet peas so expensive?
- Hand-harvest, fragile in transport, short season. €1.50–3 per stem wholesale — hence used as statement accents rather than bouquet base.
- Are sweet peas beginner-friendly?
- In the garden yes (easy to sow), as cut flowers tricky. First-time buyers better order them in a bouquet mix than alone.
- Are sweet peas toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes, mildly toxic. The whole plant contains lathyrogens, most concentrated in the seeds (peas). In cats and dogs nibbling usually causes gastrointestinal upset with vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep cut sweet peas in the vase out of reach of pets.
- How long do sweet peas last in a vase?
- Four to seven days. Shallow, clean water, a cool spot and a daily water change are key — then they reach their full vase life.