Earthnut Pea
Lathyrus tuberosusfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 6CFD — Lathyrus tuberosus
Lathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosusLathyrus tuberosus
IOverview
Overview
Earthnut Pea (Lathyrus tuberosus) is a perennial vine and herb native to regions across Europe, parts of Asia, and some Mediterranean countries such as Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Greece. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH ranging from 4.8 to 7.6, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions. Known for its edible roots and tubers, Earthnut Pea is valued for its culinary uses. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to form extensive vines, reaching up to 1.2 meters in height, while another notable characteristic is its light hardiness rating from zones 5-9.
Quick answers
What is Earthnut Pea?
Earthnut Pea (Lathyrus tuberosus) is a perennial vine and herb native to regions across Europe, parts of Asia, and some Mediterranean countries such as Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Greece. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH ranging from 4.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Earthnut Pea thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH between 4.8 and 7.6. It requires moist conditions but is adaptable to various soil types. This perennial vine can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and prefers partial shade to full sun. Hardy in temperate regions with zones 5-9, it is best propagated by seed or division of tubers. Roots and tubers are edible parts that can be harvested for consumption.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–7.6
For first-time growers
How to grow Earthnut Pea for the first time
8steps
Start with Earthnut Pea as a simple, low-maintenance perennial vine for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a container if planting in pots, and basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Earthnut Pea in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining with a pH between 4.8 and 7.6. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils to improve drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spaced about 30 cm apart in rows 90 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have several true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide a trellis or support for the vines to climb. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and tuber formation.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or diseased foliage in late winter before new growth begins. Harvest roots when they are well-developed, usually after 2-3 months.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to provide support for the vines.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:rootstubers
Edible uses: The Earthnut Pea (Lathyrus tuberosus) is eaten for its roots and tubers. These can be prepared in various ways—raw, cooked, or dried. The plant thrives in light to heavy soils with a pH between 4.8 and 7.6, making it adaptable to different growing conditions.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranKazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Buryatiya, Czechoslovakia, Altay, Irkutsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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