Origin
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson, known as "Arid Sweet Pea," is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the western United States and Mexico. It typically grows in dry and rocky areas such as deserts, canyons, and slopes.
Common Names
The Arid Sweet Pea goes by several common names, including Desert Sweet Pea, Bigelow Sweet Pea, and Giant Sweet Pea.
Uses
The Arid Sweet Pea has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes by Native American tribes. The plant contains alkaloids that have been known to be toxic to humans and livestock; thus, caution must be taken when using it. Despite its toxicity, the plant has been used as a traditional medicine to treat ailments such as colds, fever, and respiratory problems. The Arid Sweet Pea also has ornamental value and can be grown in gardens and landscapes as it blooms with pink to blue or lavender-colored flowers.
General Appearance
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus is a sprawling viny plant with short and woody stems that often reach a height of 1-2 feet. Its leaves are alternate, with narrow and elliptic leaflets that are about 1-2 inches long. The plant's flowers are pea-like and showy, consisting of 1-4 per stem. These flowers are fragrant and range in color from pink to blue or lavender and are about 1 inch long. The fruit of this plant is a hairy, cylindrical pod that is about 2-3 inches long and contains several seeds.
Light conditions
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus is a plant that thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
Temperature requirements
This plant is well-suited to warm temperatures. It is native to arid regions and can thrive at temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can tolerate cooler temperatures as well, as long as it is not exposed to frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil conditions
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus requires well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can thrive in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it is important that the soil is not waterlogged or too compacted.
The pH level of the soil should ideally be between 6.0 and 8.0. If the soil is too acidic, adding lime or wood ash can help to raise the pH level.
Moreover, Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus is adapted to arid regions that experience extended drought periods. Therefore, it has evolved mechanisms to conserve water and is well-suited to grow in low-nutrient soils with low water availability.
Cultivation methods for Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson is best grown in well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 -7.0. The plant can tolerate low levels of nutrients in the soil and drought-like conditions. For optimal growth, plant the seeds during the spring season. The seeds can be direct sown into the garden bed or in containers for later transplanting.
The ideal planting depth for Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson is half an inch to one inch, with a spacing of 2-3 inches between each seed. A distance of 6-8 inches should be maintained between plants in a row. The plant performs best when planted in an area with full sun exposure.
Watering needs for Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Depending on the weather condition, the plants should be watered only once or twice a week until they grow to a height of 6 inches.
Avoid overwatering as it may develop root rot. Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent moisture build-up. It is also recommended to mulch around the base of the plant to conserve soil moisture and keep the weeds under control.
Fertilization for Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson requirements for fertilization are minimal. The plant can thrive in nutrient-deficient soils. However, a small amount of nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be applied during the initial stages of growth to enhance plant development and boost yields.
Alternatively, organic fertilizers like compost or well-aged manure can be added to the soil to improve nutrient levels. The use of chemical fertilizers should be minimal, especially during the flowering and pod-forming stages, to avoid affecting the taste of the peas.
Pruning for Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson requires minimal pruning. Deadheading faded flowers can help to promote additional blooms. However, the plant's natural growth habit allows it to climb and vine without training, making it an ideal plant for ground covers or vertical gardening.
It is essential to control the growth of the plant and maintain it within its allotted space to avoid overcrowding and competition for nutrients. Pinching back the tips of the plant during the early stages of growth can help to promote branching, which leads to increased pod production.
Propagation of Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson, also known as desert pea, is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States. It is a member of the legume family and produces showy, red-pink flowers with black centers. To propagate Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus, there are various methods that can be used.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus is through seed propagation. Harvest mature seedpods from the plant in the fall and let them dry out completely. To improve germination rates, scarify the seeds by rubbing them with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water overnight before planting. Sow the seeds in a well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm location in full sun. Seeds should germinate within two weeks to a month.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus. Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the plant in the spring or early summer, making sure to include at least one node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-draining mix of sand and perlite. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the container in a warm, brightly lit location but out of direct sunlight. Roots should form within a few weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation can also be used to increase the number of Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus plants. This method involves dividing the root system of an established plant into smaller sections. In the spring or fall, dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Replant these sections in a new location and water them thoroughly.
These are a few methods for propagating Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus. With proper care, the plant will produce vibrant flowers and add beauty to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson is generally resistant to most diseases that affect other plants in the family Fabaceae. However, the plant can still be susceptible to fungal infections that may cause diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and Fusarium wilt. The best way to manage these diseases is to prevent them from occurring through proper plant care and maintenance.
To avoid root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. In the case of powdery mildew, which causes white powdery patches on the leaves, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and prune infected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading. In the case of Fusarium wilt, which causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, it is important to avoid overwatering and to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
While Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson is relatively pest-resistant, some insects may still affect the plant. Aphids, spider mites, and thrips are common pests that feed on the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortion of plant parts. The best management strategy for these pests is to prevent them from infesting the plant in the first place.
To avoid aphids and spider mites, which are commonly found in dry and dusty environments, ensure that the plant is grown in a well-maintained and clean environment. If these pests do appear on the plant, insecticidal soaps and neem oil can be used to manage their populations. Thrips, which are less common, can be managed through the use of insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators such as the lacewing insect.
Overall, Lathyrus lanszwertii Kellogg var. aridus (Piper) Jepson is a relatively easy plant to maintain and can thrive with minimal disease and pest management. However, taking proper care of the plant and being vigilant for signs of disease or pest infestations can help ensure that the plant remains healthy and disease-free.
