Sweet Pea vs Garden Pea: Which One Should You Plant in Your Garden?

The world of peas is more diverse than you might think! While we often associate “pea” with the green, starchy spheres we enjoy in our meals, there’s another type that’s all about fragrance and beauty. This is where the age-old question arises: sweet pea vs garden pea. Both are members of the legume family, but their differences are as distinct as their uses.

A Tale of Two Peas: Understanding Their Differences

The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) and the garden pea (Pisum sativum) share a common ancestor but have evolved along different paths, resulting in distinct characteristics.

Sweet Pea: The Fragrant Beauty

Sweet peas are primarily grown for their captivating fragrance and beautiful flowers. Their delicate blooms, available in a rainbow of colors, are a beloved addition to gardens and bouquets.

• Appearance: Sweet pea flowers are known for their intricate, butterfly-shaped petals, boasting a wide range of colors from classic white and pastel pink to vibrant purple and deep crimson.
• Growth Habit: Sweet peas are climbing vines, reaching heights of up to 6 feet. Their tendrils help them cling to supports, creating a stunning vertical display.
• Flavor: Sweet peas are not typically eaten, as their pods are small and contain tiny, inedible seeds.
• Cultivation: Sweet peas are best grown in cool climates with well-drained soil. They prefer full sun to partial shade.

Garden Pea: The Culinary Star

Garden peas are the edible variety, prized for their tender pods filled with nutritious, delicious peas. They are a staple in kitchens worldwide, adding a burst of flavor and texture to meals.

• Appearance: Garden peas have smooth, green pods that contain round, green peas.
• Growth Habit: Garden peas are typically grown as bush or vining plants, depending on the variety.
• Flavor: Garden peas have a sweet and slightly starchy flavor. They are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or canned.
• Cultivation: Garden peas thrive in cool climates with well-drained soil. They prefer full sun to partial shade.

Choosing the Right Pea for Your Needs

The decision between sweet peas and garden peas boils down to your intended use:

• Sweet peas: Choose sweet peas if you are looking for a fragrant, flowering vine to add beauty and charm to your garden.
• Garden peas: Choose garden peas if you want to grow edible peas for culinary use.

Sweet Pea: More Than Just a Pretty Face

While sweet peas are primarily known for their beauty, they also have a rich history and cultural significance.

• Fragrance: The sweet pea’s intoxicating fragrance has captivated people for centuries. It is often associated with love, romance, and happiness.
• Symbolism: In Victorian times, sweet peas were used to convey messages through a language of flowers. Different colors represented different emotions.
• Medicinal Uses: Sweet peas have also been used for medicinal purposes, particularly for their soothing properties.

Garden Pea: A Nutritious and Versatile Staple

Garden peas are not just delicious; they are also a nutritional powerhouse.

• High in Nutrients: Garden peas are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
• Versatile Use: Garden peas can be enjoyed in various forms, from fresh peas in salads to frozen peas in soups and stews.
• Sustainable Choice: Garden peas are a sustainable crop, requiring less water and fertilizer than other vegetables.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Different Varieties

Both sweet peas and garden peas come in a variety of cultivars, offering options for different tastes and preferences.

Sweet Pea Varieties:

• Spencer: The classic sweet pea variety, known for its large, fragrant flowers.
• Cupid: A dwarf variety, ideal for containers or smaller gardens.
• Painted Lady: A mix of vibrant colors, adding a splash of color to any garden.

Garden Pea Varieties:

• Sugar Snap: A sweet, crunchy pea pod that can be eaten whole.
• Snowbird: A cold-hardy variety, perfect for early spring planting.
• Wando: A prolific producer, known for its high yield.

Sweet Pea vs Garden Pea: A Summary

In essence, sweet peas and garden peas offer distinct benefits:

• Sweet peas: Fragrant flowers, beauty, and a touch of romance.
• Garden peas: Nutritious, delicious, and versatile culinary use.

Ultimately, the choice between sweet pea vs garden pea depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a fragrant floral display or a nutritious vegetable, there’s a pea out there for you!

The Final Word: A Celebration of Peas

Both sweet peas and garden peas are valuable additions to any garden or kitchen. They offer beauty, flavor, and nutritional benefits, making them a delightful part of our lives. So, embrace the diversity of the pea world and enjoy the unique charm of each variety!

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I grow sweet peas and garden peas together?

A: While it’s possible to grow them together, it’s not recommended. Sweet peas are climbers, while garden peas are bush or vining plants. This difference in growth habit can lead to overcrowding and competition for resources.

Q: When is the best time to plant sweet peas and garden peas?

A: Both sweet peas and garden peas prefer cool weather. Sweet peas can be sown directly in the garden in early spring, while garden peas can be sown in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.

Q: How do I support sweet pea vines?

A: Sweet peas need support to climb. You can use stakes, trellises, or netting to provide them with a structure to grow on.

Q: What are the best ways to preserve garden peas?

A: Garden peas can be preserved by freezing, canning, or drying. Freezing is the most common method, as it preserves the flavor and texture of the peas.