The Sweet Pea Saga And Their Seed Shortage

Known for their full and intense fragrance, sweet pea flowers are a staple in cottage gardens. They help contribute to the wild, carefree, and whimsical look of any garden. And I’ve loved having them throughout this summer.

The sweet pea, scientifically known as Lathyrus Odoratus, has a history that dates back to the 17th century. Native to Italy, these dainty blossoms quickly gained popularity in England during the Victorian era. Their enchanting scent and vibrant colors made them a beloved choice for bouquets and gardens.

Their growth pattern is unique and it is fascinating to watch the flower turn into a full seed pod.

In the enchanting world of garden flowers, few are as beloved and sought after as the delicate and fragrant sweet pea. These charming blooms have captured the hearts of gardeners for generations, but in recent years, they've become even more coveted due to a surprising challenge: a seed shortage.

In recent years, gardeners worldwide have faced an unexpected challenge—a shortage of sweet pea seeds. Several factors have contributed to this scarcity:

Climate Challenges: A foe we have all come to know here in the Fraser Valley, unpredictable weather patterns, including extreme heat and cold, have impacted sweet pea seed production in key growing regions.

COVID-19: During the pandemic, people around the world decided they wanted to grow something, anything. And as more people discover the joy of gardening, the demand for sweet pea seeds has surged. Their delicate beauty and nostalgia-inducing fragrance have made them a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners.

Supply Chain Disruptions: The global supply chain has faced disruptions, affecting the distribution of seeds to garden centers and nurseries.

Breeding Efforts: Some seed companies focus on breeding new varieties, diverting resources from producing traditional sweet pea seeds.

Did you know? Despite their name, all parts of the sweet pea are toxic and should not be eaten. If enough of the plant is consumed, it can cause a condition called lathyrism, which is exhibited by paralysis, shallow breathing, and convulsions.

The first sweet peas were introduced to Britain in 1699 when a Sicilian monk, Francis Cupani, sent seeds of this highly fragrant annual to Dr. Robert Uvedale, a teacher from Enfield, Middlesex. They became hugely popular in North America, as both garden plants and cut flowers.

And I am so excited to say that I’m preparing our sweet peas to sell seeds come the spring season!

For those of you who joined me during our sweet pea u-pick, you can recall that there are dozens of varieties planted, and thus dozens of seed varietals to come!

If you’re a gardener in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, don’t miss out on these rare seeds!

We’ll be updating our blog and the shop as we harvest and prepare the seeds, so be sure to subscribe to our email chain for first access to the seeds.