How to Grow Desert Pea

iNaturalist

Desert Pea

Sturt's Desert Pea (Sturtia vesicatoria, formerly Swainsona stipularis)

flower

Desert Pea is a stunning wildflower native to arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, featuring distinctive bright scarlet-red flowers with a glossy black center (called a 'boss'). The plant produces delicate pinnate foliage and grows as a trailing or climbing annual or short-lived perennial. It is the official floral emblem of South Australia and highly prized by gardeners for its dramatic, jewel-like blooms.

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Example Desert Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Desert Pea
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Desert Pea blooms
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Desert Pea dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; more sun produces better flowering

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Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot. Reduce water significantly in winter.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-150 days from seed to first flowers

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches (seed should be just covered)

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with low fertility

pH: 6.5-8.0

Amendments:

Coarse sand or perlite for drainage Minimal organic matter (avoid over-enrichment) Gypsum may improve soil structure in poor soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones with protection

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seed Dormancy & Germination

2-6 weeks

Seeds have a hard coat and require scarification. Germination is slow and irregular without treatment. Seeds may remain dormant if conditions are unfavorable.

Scarify seeds gently with fine sandpaper or soak in warm water for 2-4 hours. Sow in cool season (autumn/early winter in warm zones). Maintain soil temperature around 50-60°F for best germination. Germination may take 2-6 weeks.

Seedling

4-6 weeks

Young plants develop their first pinnate leaves and establish a taproot system. Growth is slow initially.

Keep soil barely moist, not wet. Provide bright light but protect from intense afternoon sun if indoors. Do not fertilize; poor soil promotes compact growth. Transplant carefully to minimize root disturbance.

Vegetative Growth

6-10 weeks

Plant develops trailing stems with delicate compound leaves and begins to grow more vigorously. Tendrils may form for climbing.

Water sparingly; soil should dry between waterings. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Provide support or allow to trail. Prune lightly if needed to encourage bushiness, but avoid excessive cutting.

Flowering

8-12 weeks (or longer with deadheading)

Distinctive scarlet-red pea flowers with glossy black central markings appear in clusters. Blooms are long-lasting and highly ornamental.

Continue minimal watering. Do not fertilize; flowering is better in poor soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot.

Seed Production & Decline

Variable; 4-8 weeks from flower to mature seed

Flowers fade and are replaced by inflated seed pods containing toxic seeds. Plant energy shifts to seed development. Plant may decline after seed set in annual form.

Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing if desired. Collect seed pods before they split open and seed is lost. Seeds are toxic to livestock and humans; handle carefully and store safely. Remove spent plant material.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Flannel flower Sturt's desert rose Native ground covers Ornamental grasses California poppy Drought-tolerant salvias

Avoid planting near:

Nitrogen-fixing legumes (may over-stimulate growth) Heavy feeders that prefer rich soil Plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream or use insecticidal soap. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Increase humidity slightly; use fine mist. Apply neem oil if infestation is severe.
and
Remove by hand, especially at night. Use copper barriers or slug baits if necessary.
Ensure excellent drainage and reduce watering. Remove affected plants. Improve air circulation.

Uses

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Ornamental & Symbolic Use Only

Culinary

Desert Pea should NOT be consumed under any circumstances. While related to edible peas, the seeds contain toxic alkaloids and are poisonous. The plant is valued entirely for its dramatic visual appeal in gardens and floral arrangements. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Craft

The striking scarlet and black flowers are prized by florists and gardeners for fresh arrangements, bouquets, and dried floral displays. The unique coloring and shape make it a dramatic focal flower. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Desert Pea flowers attract native bees and other pollinators. The nectar and pollen-rich blooms provide valuable forage for beneficial insects in arid gardens. [source]

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Native Habitat Restoration

Household

In Australia, Desert Pea is used in native plant restoration projects and naturalized gardens to recreate arid and semi-arid ecosystems, supporting local biodiversity. [source]

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Historical & Cultural Significance

Medicinal

While not used medicinally due to toxicity, Desert Pea holds significant cultural and historical importance in Australian Aboriginal and colonial history, and is protected in the wild in South Australia. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Desert Pea is primarily grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering season. Allow some flowers to mature into seed pods if self-sowing is desired. Collect mature seed pods (they will dry and split open) in late season and store in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for several years. CAUTION: Seeds contain toxic compounds (including carbamates) and should not be ingested and kept away from children and pets.

Fun Facts

🌱 Desert Pea is the official floral emblem of South Australia and appears on the South Australian coat of arms. It is protected by law in South Australia, and it is illegal to pick wild plants.
🌱 The distinctive glossy black center of the flower, called the 'boss,' is thought to mimic an insect and helps attract pollinators by simulating a reward.
🌱 The plant's seeds contain cardiac glycosides and other toxic alkaloids that can cause severe illness if ingested, yet some native Australian species have been documented to use the plant in traditional practices with extreme caution.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Germination Perennial Transplant

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