🌸 Do Sweet Peas Produce Peas? The Truth About These Fragrant Climbers

🇬🇧 Introduction: Sweet Peas vs Edible Peas

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are a staple in many UK gardens—valued for their romantic fragrance, delicate petals, and climbing habit. But the name “sweet pea” often causes confusion. Many gardeners wonder: do sweet peas actually produce peas you can eat? Let’s explore the answer, how sweet peas develop seed pods, and the critical difference between sweet peas and edible garden peas.

🌿 The Short Answer

Yes, sweet peas do produce seed pods that resemble regular pea pods—but they are NOT edible.

Sweet peas belong to the same plant family (Fabaceae) as edible peas (Pisum sativum), but their seeds and pods are toxic to humans and animals.

🧪 Why You Should Not Eat Sweet Peas

• Toxic compounds: Sweet peas contain β-aminopropionitrile, a compound that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
• Poison risk: All parts of the sweet pea plant, especially the seeds, are considered mildly toxic.
• Symptoms: Eating sweet pea seeds or pods can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or neurological symptoms in severe cases.

🌱 Do Sweet Peas Still Make Seed Pods?

Yes. After the flowers fade, sweet pea plants form long green seed pods—very similar in appearance to edible pea pods.

• The pods contain round seeds that dry and can be collected for next year’s sowing.
• The pods start off green and turn brown and dry when fully mature.
• For best ornamental flowering, it’s advised to remove these pods early (deadheading) unless you’re saving seeds.

🥀 Should You Let Sweet Peas Set Seed?

Only if you’re aiming to collect seeds for the next season. Otherwise:

• Deadhead regularly to keep plants flowering longer.
• Once a plant starts producing seed pods, it redirects energy from flower production to seed-making, shortening the bloom period.

🌾 How to Collect Seeds from Sweet Peas

1. Allow some pods to fully dry on the plant—they’ll turn brown and crispy.
2. Harvest the pods before they split.
3. Store seeds in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope.
4. Label with variety and date for next year’s sowing.

🍽️ Comparison: Sweet Peas vs Garden Peas

🧠 FAQs – Sweet Pea Seed Pods

1. Do sweet peas have pods like edible peas?
Yes, they form similar pods—but they’re not safe to eat.

2. Are sweet pea pods poisonous?
Yes—especially the seeds, which can be toxic if ingested.

3. Can I harvest sweet pea seeds for replanting?
Absolutely—just let the pods fully dry before collecting.

4. Will letting pods form reduce flowering?
Yes—deadhead regularly to keep blooms coming.

5. Can I mistake sweet peas for edible peas?
Visually, yes—so always label and separate them clearly.

6. Can animals eat sweet peas?
No—sweet peas are toxic to pets and livestock, especially dogs and rabbits.

7. Do sweet peas fix nitrogen like edible peas?
Yes—both are legumes and contribute to soil health.

8. Is it OK to compost sweet pea pods?
Yes—the toxicity breaks down during composting.

🌼 Final Thoughts

While sweet peas do indeed form pea-like seed pods, these are not safe for human or animal consumption. Sweet peas are grown purely for their fragrance, beauty, and pollinator appeal—not for the dinner plate.

So, enjoy the blooms, deadhead regularly, and save seeds carefully—but remember: these peas aren’t for eating!