Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus), also known as chinchin, – an annual climber with elegant fragrant inflorescences, capable of covering a support up to 3 meters high in one season and decorating the area with lush greenery and bright colors. Blooms from June until the first frosts, grows upwards, clinging with tendrils. The flower shape resembles exotic butterflies of the most diverse colors: blue, blue, purple, red, pink, lilac, green, yellow, cream and white, sometimes bicolor or variegated. Flowers are large, glossy, fragrant, located in small racemes on long pedicels.
The plant is light-loving but grows well in light semi-shade; moisture-loving and requires regular watering. Soil should be well-drained, light, loamy, neutral or slightly acidic, not too fertile. Support is necessary for growth – the plant clings to it with tendrils. At a height of about 10 cm, the top is pinched, and the resulting pods are regularly removed to prolong flowering.
Sweet Pea is widely spread in ornamental gardening and is considered the king of summer flowers due to the elegance and lushness of flowering. It is easily grown as both an annual and perennial species; annual varieties are cold-hardy, and perennials can live 2–3 years, some up to 10 years. Due to the variety of varieties with large double inflorescences of various shades, it remains a popular choice for decorating garden paths, flower beds and support structures.
