Tuberous Sweetpea
Lathyrus tuberosus
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lathyrus
- Species:
- Lathyrus tuberosus
- USDA Symbol:
- LATU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, magenta
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers calcareous soils in native range
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds may also benefit from soaking in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Resents transplanting. Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * plant in deep pot