Sweet Pea Cupani
Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupani'
The original wild sweet pea discovered in Sicily in 1695, prized for its intensely sweet fragrance that modern hybrids can't match. These vigorous climbing vines produce smaller but incredibly aromatic flowers in deep purple and maroon, filling the entire garden with their heavenly scent. A must-have heirloom for cutting gardens and romantic cottage garden settings.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
3-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Sweet Pea Cupani in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Sweet Pea Cupani · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Type: Legume.
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: Sweet pea fruits are inedible and poisonous to humans.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Sweet Pea Cupani flowers last 5-7 days when properly stored. Immediately after cutting, plunge stems into cool water and recut under running water to prevent air bubbles. Store in a cool location away from direct sunlight, changing water every 2-3 days.
For drying, harvest flowers just before full opening and hang in small bundles in a dark, well-ventilated area. Dried flowers retain some fragrance for potpourri use. You can also press individual flowers between weighted paper for craft projects – their intense color holds well when dried.
To preserve the fragrance, create sweet pea water by floating fresh petals in distilled water for 24 hours, then strain and refrigerate for up to one week. Never consume sweet pea flowers as all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets.
History & Origin
Origin: Southern Italy, Sicily, Crete
Advantages
- +Attracts: Butterflies
- +Edible: Sweet pea fruits are inedible and poisonous to humans.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting sweet peas
Marigolds
Repels nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Lavender
Deters moths and flies that can damage sweet pea flowers
Calendula
Attracts beneficial insects and provides natural pest control
Alyssum
Ground cover that attracts predatory insects like hoverflies
Chives
Repels aphids and other soft-bodied insects with strong scent
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for nutrients
Cosmos
Attracts pollinators and beneficial predatory insects
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to sweet peas and many other plants
Sunflowers
Allelopathic compounds inhibit germination and growth of nearby plants
Eucalyptus
Strong allelopathic properties suppress growth of most companion plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance typical of heirloom varieties
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, spider mites
Diseases
Powdery mildew, root rot, streak virus