Origin
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert, commonly known as the Everlasting-pea, is native to Europe and Western Asia. It can be found growing in meadows, woodland edges, and along roadsides. This plant has been widely naturalized in North America and Australia where it has become an invasive species.
Common Names
The Everlasting-pea is also known as Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea, Perennial Pea, and Sweet Pea.
Uses
The Everlasting-pea is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also grown in agricultural settings as a forage crop and as a nitrogen fixer in reducing soil erosion. Its seeds are used as animal feed and occasionally consumed by humans as a soup ingredient.
General Appearance
The Everlasting-pea is a perennial climbing vine with tendrils that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has alternate and pinnately compound leaves that are dark green and ovate in shape. The plant produces showy pink to purple flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers are followed by long, narrow, and pointed seed pods that contain several seeds. The Everlasting-pea has a spreading growth habit and can form dense clumps if not controlled.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with hot summers, it prefers to be grown in partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the optimum range for growth and development is between 15°C to 25°C. The growth rate decreases outside of this temperature range.
Soil Requirements
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert prefers well-drained and fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate mildly acidic to moderately alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Soil that is too wet or too dry can adversely affect growth.
Cultivation Methods:
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert is a hardy and robust perennial plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure. The plant is a climber that can grow up to 4-6 feet in height. To cultivate this plant, prepare the soil by adding organic matter like compost, manure, or leaf mold to enhance soil fertility. The planting hole should be deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball. The best time to plant Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert is in early spring or early autumn as the temperature is mild, and the soil moisture is high. Keep the seedlings at a distance of 6-8 inches between each other to allow enough space for the plant to spread.
Watering Needs:
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert requires moderate to regular watering to establish quickly and produce a healthy crop. Water the plant deeply at least once a week and more frequently in dry weather. The roots should not be allowed to dry out completely since the plant may die back. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases and fungal infections. Mulching around the plant can significantly reduce water loss through evaporation and maintain soil moisture levels.
Fertilization:
Fertilization is critical to the growth and productivity of Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert. Apply a balanced fertilizer like NPK (10-10-10) or compost tea during the growing season to enhance soil fertility. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as they promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and fruit set. Fertilize the plant at least once a month during the growing season to supplement nutrient uptake and enhance plant vigor.
Pruning:
Pruning is crucial to maintain the shape and size of Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert, and promote air circulation. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches with clean and sharp pruning shears. Cut back the plant to the ground level after the growing season to reduce the risk of fungal infections and renew the plant vigor.
Propagation of Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert
Propagation of Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert can be done through various methods.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation is through seeds. The seeds of Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert can be sown directly into the soil in their final location, or they can be started indoors and transplanted later. The seeds should be soaked in water for a few hours before sowing to improve germination.
The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring or early summer when the soil temperature is between 15-20°C. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes 10-14 days.
Cuttings propagation
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert can also be propagated from cuttings. Softwood cuttings are the best type of cuttings to use. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer before the plant has started to flower.
Cuttings should be 8-10 cm long and taken from the non-flowering stems. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and then plant the cutting in a pot filled with sandy soil. Keep the soil moist and the pot in a warm, sheltered location until roots develop, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Division propagation
Dividing an established Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert is another propagation method. This method involves digging up an established plant and dividing it into several smaller plants.
The best time to do this is in the spring or early autumn. Dig up the plant and carefully divide the root ball into sections, making sure each section has a portion of the stem and leaves. Replant the sections in their desired location and keep the soil moist until they establish.
Disease Management
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert can be susceptible to a range of diseases, including:
- Root rot: caused by waterlogging and soil-borne pathogens, which can cause wilting and death of the plant. To manage, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering.
- Mildew: characterized by a white, powdery growth on the leaves, caused by fungal spores. To manage, remove affected leaves and improve air circulation.
- Rust: identifiable by yellow-orange pustules on the leaves and stems, caused by fungal spores. To manage, remove affected parts of the plant and dispose of them to prevent further spread.
- Virus: Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert can be host to several viruses, which can cause a range of symptoms including mottling, stunting, and yellowing of the leaves. There is no cure, so use virus-resistant varieties or remove infected plants to prevent spread.
Pest Management
Lathyrus sylvestris L. subsp. latifolius (L.) Ponert can also be affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and distorted growth. To manage, spray with insecticidal soap or oil, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, and remove heavily infested areas of the plant.
- Slugs and snails: can cause holes in leaves and flowers. To manage, remove hiding spots such as debris, logs, and boards around the plant and use baits or traps to capture them.
- Spider mites: can cause yellowing and stunted growth, as well as producing webs on the leaves. To manage, spray with water to remove the mites and their webs, and use insecticidal soap or oil to control their population.
- Leaf-miners: larval insects that feed on the leaves, creating tunnels through them. To manage, remove affected leaves and use sticky traps or insecticides to control the adults.
