Are Sweet Peas Safe To Eat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Ornamental sweet peas are not edible , they are toxic and should not be eaten! The common sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus is an ornamental leguminous annual climbing plant which is native to southern Italy, and is grown purely for its very fragrant and colourful flowers.

What happens if you eat wild sweet pea?

Lathyrus Latifolius Seeds May Trigger Trouble

Gardenia warns that they are not edible and that acute ingestion may cause mild stomach upset . Missouri Botanical Garden and North Carolina State Extension agree that the seeds are toxic, with the university adding that only if large quantities are consumed.

Are sweet peas toxic to humans?

The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous , containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. Symptoms of Lathyrus are paralysis, labored breathing, and convulsions.

Should I remove sweet pea pods?

It is very important to deadhead your sweet peas. Look out for seed pods developing and snip them off regularly. This prevents the plants forming seed, which would stop the plants producing flowers.

Are flowering sweet peas edible?

Although garden peas, (Pisum sativum) such as English peas, edible podded peas and snow peas are edible , sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are poisonous – especially the flowers and seeds. ... They are habit, flower form, fragrance, or day length response.

What part of sweet pea is poisonous?

The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous, containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. Symptoms of Lathyrus are paralysis, labored breathing, and convulsions.

What eats sweet peas?

  • Aphids. The black bean aphid as well as the light green foxglove aphid, green peach aphid and potato aphid prey on sweet peas, piercing stems and leaves to extract the plant fluids. ...
  • Thrips. ...
  • Leaf Miners. ...
  • Leafhoppers. ...
  • Pollen Beetle. ...
  • Sciarid Fly.

Is Butterfly pea toxic to dogs?

Butterfly Bush

It’s a popular garden shrub that attracts butterflies and bees and is not poisonous to pets .

Is Butterfly pea flower poisonous to dogs?

Any of these plants can be considered toxic to your dog, cat , or other small animals. Although they sound like they should be edible, sweet pea plants are not food. As a matter of fact, they contain the toxic chemical called aminoproprionitrile, which causes musculoskeletal and central nervous system problems.

Is sweet pea toxic to dogs?

Toxicity to pets

The sweat pea, or Lathyrus, contains amino acids and a toxin called aminoproprionitrite. When ingested, it can cause neurological and musculoskeletal signs including weakness, lethargy, tremors and seizures. Typically, this is more commonly seen in large animals chronically grazing on sweet pea.

What is the best support for sweet peas?

Because Sweet Peas are vining, they need support to grow up and flower. Many types of structures can work such as a trellis, supports with mesh or twine , or fences. They need a structure that is well anchored in the ground to support the weight of the vines.

What should I do with sweet pea pods?

Bring the seedpods indoors and remove the seeds from the pods . Line a flat surface, such as a countertop or cookie sheet, with newspaper and let the seeds dry for about three days. Once dry, put them in a freezer bag or Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep them dry. Store them in a cool place until planting time.

What to do with sweet peas after flowering?

Cut perennial Lathyrus back to ground level in autumn or, preferably, leave the cutting back until February so the dead stems provide cover for wildlife in winter. Simply pull out and compost annual sweet peas once flowering has finished at the end of summer. In hot, dry seasons this might be a bit sooner.

Do sweet peas need full sun?

Make sure you plant the sweet peas outside after the last frost date in your area. Choose a spot in full sun or very light dappled shade with rich, well-drained soil . ... Keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry spells.

Can sweet peas grow in hanging baskets?

The scent of sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) fill the air in spring and summer. ... Dwarf sweet pea varieties are well-suited for growing in hanging baskets, from which their trailing vines cascade. Sweet peas grow as annuals in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.