Photo: vinceconnare · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Sweet pea
Sweet peas are the honey-scented, tissue-paper flower of spring — beloved by wedding florists but unforgiving in vase life. The Winter Sunshine series (Japanese-bred) reaches 50 cm stems and lasts up to 5 days; classic garden sweet peas last barely 3. Both are worth the trouble for the fragrance alone.
| Family | Fabaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mediterranean; commercially grown Italy, UK, Japan, California |
| Peak season | April, May, June |
| Availability | February to July |
| Stem length | 25–40 cm |
| Vase life | 3–5 days |
| Colors | white, cream, blush, pink, coral, red, burgundy, purple, lavender, bicolor |
| Price tier | premium |
Cut on a diagonal, fresh cool water. Handle by the stem, not the delicate blossoms.
- •Short vase life (3–5 days) — plan for day-of-event use
- •Legendary fragrance — sweet, honey-like
- •Delicate, papery petals bruise easily
- •Japanese growers produce super-premium 50 cm stems (Winter Sunshine series)
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Sweet pea in season?
Sweet pea peaks in April, May, June, and florists can usually source it February to July. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Sweet pea last in a vase?
Expect 3–5 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Sweet pea?
Good substitutes for Sweet pea include Freesia, Phlox. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Sweet pea symbolise?
Sweet pea is associated with blissful pleasure, departure, goodbye (Victorian meaning).
How do you care for cut Sweet pea?
Short vase life (3–5 days) — plan for day-of-event use
