How to Grow Perennial Pea
Perennial Pea
Lathyrus latifolius
vinePerennial pea is a vigorous climbing vine that produces clusters of sweetly-scented flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or bicolor throughout the growing season. Unlike annual sweet peas, this hardy perennial returns year after year, making it an excellent choice for long-term garden structures. It typically grows 4-8 feet tall and flowers continuously from early summer until frost.
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Example Perennial Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Perennial Pea
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Perennial Pea
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Perennial Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Perennial Pea timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants emerge with simple compound leaves and thin stems. Growth is initially slow as roots establish.
Keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Install support structure early so seedlings can begin climbing.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksVine grows vigorously, producing climbing tendrils and compound leaves with 4-6 leaflets. Plant establishes deep root system.
Provide sturdy trellis or support system. Train vines onto support. Pinch back early growth if bushier form is desired. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
12-16 weeks or until frostDense clusters of 5-10 pea-like flowers appear in pink, red, white, or bicolor. Flowers are mildly fragrant and highly attractive.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture and weekly feeding with bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus). Support heavy flower weight with sturdy stakes.
Seed Pod Development
4-6 weeksAfter flowering, if flowers are left to set seed, flat pea pods develop containing round seeds. Pods mature from green to brown.
If desired for reseeding, allow select flowers to form pods and mature on vine. If saving seeds, let pods dry completely before harvesting. Otherwise, continue deadheading.
Dormancy
3-5 months depending on climateIn cold climates, foliage dies back after frost. In mild climates, vine may retain some evergreen foliage and flower sporadically through winter.
Cut back dead stems in spring to ground level. Do not prune in fall as new growth may be killed by frost. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch in winter for protection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; apply sulfur dust if severe.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage; spray with water; use miticides if infestation is severe; ensure adequate irrigation.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first sign; remove affected leaves.
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Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps or copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles and toads.
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Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater; use well-draining soil mix; remove and replace severely affected plants.
Uses
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftPerennial pea flowers make beautiful, fragrant additions to fresh flower arrangements and bouquets. Their delicate pea-shaped blooms in varied colors are popular with florists and home gardeners alike. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the season, making it an excellent choice for supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
Garden structure covering
HouseholdVigorous growth and long flowering season make perennial pea ideal for covering trellises, arbors, fences, and pergolas, providing living walls of colorful blooms for many years. [source]
Edible seed potential (limited)
CulinaryWhile perennial pea contains toxins that make it unsuitable for regular consumption, the immature seeds have historically been eaten in some cultures when properly prepared. Modern use is primarily ornamental only. [source]
Traditional herbal use (caution advised)
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional medicine for various purposes, but perennial pea contains neurotoxic compounds (ODAP) and should not be consumed without expert knowledge. Modern use is not recommended. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Perennial pea flowers are primarily ornamental. Flowers can be cut in the morning when fully open for fresh arrangements and will last 5-7 days in water. Cut flowering stems from the vine rather than individual flowers. For seed saving, allow some flowers to mature into pods; harvest pods when fully brown and dry, then extract and dry seeds further before storage. Seeds can remain viable for 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Perennial pea is often called 'everlasting pea' because it flowers continuously all season, unlike the fragrant but short-blooming annual sweet pea, and it returns reliably year after year.
- 🌱 This vine originated in southern Europe and Mediterranean regions, and was introduced to British gardens in the 1600s where it became a popular cottage garden favorite.
- 🌱 The distinctive tendrils at the leaf tips are modified leaves that help the plant climb; they can sense touch and coil around nearby supports within minutes of contact.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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