Yellow-Flowered Pea
Lathyrus aphaca
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Pl. 10D5 — Lathyrus aphaca
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IOverview
Overview
Yellow-Flowered Pea (Lathyrus aphaca) is an annual vine or herb that can grow up to 0.9 meters in height and is native to a wide range of countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and many others across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8. It is commonly found in dry to moist habitats and can be seen growing in various regions such as Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Assam, and Bangladesh. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light: 7/10 energy rating, indicating it requires moderate care and attention for optimal growth.
Quick answers
What is Yellow-Flowered Pea?
Yellow-Flowered Pea (Lathyrus aphaca) is an annual vine or herb that can grow up to 0.9 meters in height and is native to a wide range of countries including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and many others across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Yellow-Flowered Pea thrives in light to medium soil that can be sandy, loamy, or clayey, with a preference for a pH of 7.5–8. It requires well-drained conditions and is drought-tolerant but benefits from moist soil during the growing season. This annual vine prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to 0.9 meters tall. For propagation, sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in various parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Harvest the edible seed pods when they are mature for use.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Yellow-Flowered Pea for the first time
8steps
Start with Yellow-Flowered Pea as a simple, low-maintenance vine for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trellis or support structure.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil; amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart; thin to 9 inches as they grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide a trellis for support and continue watering during dry spells; fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines to encourage bushiness and remove dead leaves. Harvest flowers for decoration.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing support, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The Yellow-Flowered Pea is edible and its seeds can be consumed. Typically, the seeds are dried before use, though they may also be cooked or ground into flour for various applications in cooking. Skip preparation details as specific uses are not provided.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia8 regions
native (8)AfghanistanBangladeshIndiaIranIraqKazakhstanNepalPakistan
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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