Filler · Fabaceae
Sweet pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Ruffled, intensely fragrant blooms traditionally associated with thanks and fond farewells.
Colour: Pink
Often given for thanks and gentle affection.
- Peak season
- Apr–Jun
- Vase life
- 3–5 days
- Birth month
- April
- Colours
- 5
What the sweet pea means
In the Victorian language of flowers the sweet pea meant departure or delicate pleasure, and it was often given to thank a host or say goodbye after a lovely time. Sweet peas were hugely popular in Edwardian Britain, where large, ruffled Spencer varieties appeared in the early 1900s and sweet pea shows drew big crowds. Today they are given for gratitude and gentle goodbyes, and in the US tradition they are one of April's birth flowers, alongside the daisy. Their scent is a big part of their appeal, though some modern varieties were bred more for size than perfume.
Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.
Often sent for
- Thank you
- Just because
- Mother's Day
- Birthday
By colour
- Pink Often given for thanks and gentle affection.
- Lavender Associated with fond farewells.
- White Associated with delicate pleasure and new beginnings.
- Magenta Sometimes read as lively gratitude.
- Burgundy Often chosen for deep, warm thanks.
Keeping it fresh
Spring into early summer; greenhouse and imported stems widen the window.
- 1 Sweet peas are short-lived and sensitive to ethylene; keep them away from fruit and enjoy them quickly.
- 2 Recut stems cleanly and get them into water fast; the thin stems wilt quickly.
- 3 Use cool water and change it daily.
- 4 Keep out of direct sun and heat to hold the scent and color.
Pet safety
- cats Non-toxic
- dogs Non-toxic
- horses Toxic
ASPCA's Sweet Pea entry is Lathyrus latifolius, a relative of the florist sweet pea. It is toxic to horses (aminopropionitrile): weakness, tremors, seizures.
The closest ASPCA entry is for a related species, so treat this verdict as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
Birth flower · April
April's flower alongside the daisy, which is usually listed first.
Choose “Birthday” in the studio and pick April — the sweet pea leads the bouquet.
Did you know
Early geneticists William Bateson and Reginald Punnett used sweet peas in the early 1900s to discover genetic linkage, building on Mendel's work.
Make your own sweet pea bouquet
Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.
Open Flower Studio