Do Sweet Peas Come Back Every Year? Annual vs. Perennial Sweet Peas

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are a garden favorite, loved for their fragrant, colorful flowers and ability to climb trellises and fences beautifully. But if you’re growing sweet peas for the first time, you might be wondering:

👉 Do sweet peas come back every year?

The answer depends on which type of sweet pea you’re growing. While most sweet peas are annuals that complete their life cycle in one year, some varieties are perennials and return year after year.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ The difference between annual and perennial sweet peas
✔️ How to grow both types successfully
✔️ Which varieties are best for long-lasting blooms
✔️ Care tips to keep your sweet peas thriving

Let’s explore whether sweet peas will return each year in your garden! 🌿🌸

1. Do Sweet Peas Come Back Every Year?

Annual Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus) 🌸

✔️ Most common type – Grows, flowers, and dies in one season.
✔️ Needs replanting every year from fresh seeds.
✔️ Blooms profusely in late spring and summer.
✔️ Produces strong fragrance and vibrant flowers.

Perennial Sweet Peas (Lathyrus latifolius) 🌿

✔️ Also called Everlasting Pea – Comes back every year.
✔️ Less fragrant than annual sweet peas.
✔️ Blooms for longer periods but has smaller flowers.
✔️ Can become invasive if not managed.

Key Difference: Annual sweet peas have a stronger scent and larger blooms, while perennial sweet peas return every year but lack fragrance.

2. What Are Perennial Sweet Peas?

Perennial sweet peas (Lathyrus latifolius) are also called Everlasting Peas. They return every spring from the same root system, making them a great low-maintenance garden plant.

Characteristics of Perennial Sweet Peas

🌿 Long-lived – Comes back every year from deep roots.
🌸 Climbing habit – Grows up to 6 feet (2m) tall.
☀️ Hardy & drought-resistant – Tolerates frost and poor soil.
⚠️ Less fragrant – Unlike annual sweet peas, they have little to no scent.
💜 Flowers in pink, purple, and white – Smaller blooms than annual varieties.

Tip: Perennial sweet peas are great for fences, trellises, and wildflower gardens but need pruning to prevent excessive spreading.

3. How to Grow Perennial Sweet Peas

Perennial sweet peas are easy to grow and require minimal care.

Best Time to Plant

✔️ Spring (March–May) – Ideal for direct sowing outdoors.
✔️ Autumn (September–October) – Overwinter for early growth.

Planting Guide

✔️ Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot.
✔️ Use well-draining soil—they tolerate poor conditions.
✔️ Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in prepared beds or containers.
✔️ Water lightly until established, then reduce watering.

Training & Support

✔️ Use trellises, fences, or obelisks for climbing support.
✔️ Tie stems loosely as they grow.

Pruning & Maintenance

✔️ Cut back dead stems in autumn for tidy growth.
✔️ Remove seed pods to prevent excessive self-seeding.

Tip: If left unchecked, perennial sweet peas can become invasive, so prune regularly.

4. How to Grow Annual Sweet Peas

🌿 Sow seeds indoors (Jan–March) or directly outdoors (April–May).
🌸 Provide full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
🌿 Pinch out growing tips when plants reach 10 cm tall for bushier growth.
🌸 Deadhead flowers regularly to extend the blooming season.
🌿 Support with canes, trellises, or netting for climbing.

Tip: Annual sweet peas bloom longer and have a stronger fragrance than perennials.

5. Pros & Cons of Perennial Sweet Peas

Tip: If you love fragrant and showy flowers, grow annual sweet peas. If you want low-maintenance climbers, choose perennial sweet peas.

6. Best Sweet Pea Varieties to Grow

Best Annual Sweet Peas (Highly Fragrant)

🌸 ‘Cupani’ – Old-fashioned variety, deep purple and maroon flowers.
🌿 ‘Spencer Mix’ – Large blooms, great for cut flowers.
🌸 ‘Royal Family’ – Vigorous climber, long flowering season.

Best Perennial Sweet Peas (Long-Lasting & Hardy)

🌿 ‘Everlasting Pea’ (Lathyrus latifolius) – Hardy, pink/magenta flowers.
🌸 ‘White Pearl’ – Pure white flowers, vigorous growth.
🌿 ‘Red Pearl’ – Striking deep pink-red blooms.

Tip: For a long-lasting display, mix annual sweet peas for fragrance with perennial sweet peas for year-after-year color.

7. Final Thoughts: Do Sweet Peas Come Back Every Year?

✔️ Most sweet peas are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season.
✔️ Perennial sweet peas return every year, but they have less fragrance.
✔️ Annual sweet peas have stronger scents and larger blooms, making them ideal for cut flowers.
✔️ Perennial sweet peas are hardier and lower maintenance, great for trellises and fences.
✔️ Both types can be grown together to enjoy seasonal fragrance and year-round greenery.

Whether you grow annual sweet peas for fragrance or perennial sweet peas for longevity, these beautiful climbers will bring color and charm to any garden! 🌿🌸

Now you know whether sweet peas come back every year and which type is best for your garden! 🌿💜 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀