The Essential Guide To The Sweet Pea
Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
Common Name: Sweet Pea
General Knowledge: Sweet Pea, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, originally hails from the Mediterranean region, showcasing its vibrant beauty and sweet fragrance in gardens worldwide. Commonly used in bouquets, posies, and vase arrangements, this flower is widely recognized for its captivating scent and diverse range of colours. It's particularly renowned for gracing spring weddings and events, adding a touch of elegance and charm. A fun fact about Sweet Pea is that it was brought to the attention of florists and gardeners in the 17th century by a Sicilian monk, who discovered its potential as a decorative and aromatic addition to gardens.
Colour Range: Available in white, cream, creamy-yellow, apricot, pale to dark pink, salmon, burgundy-red, lilac, and blue/purple.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Generally available in winter to spring. Greenhouse-grown products may extend this season.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Sweet peas are a popular choice for spring weddings and events, thanks to their vibrant colours and sweet fragrance.
Commercial Growth in Australia: Yes, they are commercially grown in Australia.
Buying Tips: Look for bunches where the top two or three buds are fully coloured and partly open. Check for a strong fragrance, a sign of freshness. However, note that out-of-season sweet peas may have minimal fragrance. Avoid bunches showing signs of flower drop, which indicates ethylene damage, and choose suppliers who can guarantee anti-ethylene treatment.
Design Tips and Advice: Sweet peas serve well as supporting focal and transitional elements in floral designs. They combine beautifully with various spring flowers, such as hyacinths, lavender, and freesias, making them ideal for posies, bouquets, and vase arrangements.
Expected Vase Life: Around 5–7 days, depending on care and handling.
Typical Stem Length: Ranges from 20–40 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: Variable.
Care and Handling: Handle the flowers with care to avoid breakage. Do not wet the flowers and take care when separating as the tendrils can become entangled. With their short vase life, it’s advisable to sell them as quickly as possible.
Floral Preservatives: Use floral preservatives to extend their vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Sweet peas are highly sensitive to ethylene. Ensure they have been treated with an anti-ethylene compound post-harvest.
Temperature Requirements: Store at a cool temperature between 2–4 °C.
Potential Problems: Avoid wetting the flowers and handle them carefully to prevent breakage. Ensure the flowers have been treated against ethylene to prevent premature wilting and flower drop.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a cool storage environment at 2–4 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use floral preservatives in the water to extend vase life.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Ensure sweet peas are treated with an anti-ethylene compound to mitigate ethylene sensitivity issues.