Lathyrus cicera
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusLathyrus
Zone6
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Lathyrus cicera, commonly known as red pea or flat-podded vetchling, is a species in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its vibrant red flowers. This plant is an annual herb that typically grows in fields and along roadsides. It has a dormancy period during the colder months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Red Pea
Lathyrus aegeus
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
GDD1,350
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Lathyrus cicera requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers environments with moderate humidity. Water the plant when the soil is almost completely dry, but avoid waterlogging. This plant is relatively easy to care for but does require some attention to its light and water needs.Harvest
Lathyrus cicera, commonly known as red pea, is typically ready for harvest about 90 days after planting. Harvesting should be done when the pods are fully mature and dry on the plant. To harvest, cut the entire plant at the base and allow it to dry further if necessary. Once the pods are completely dry, they can be threshed to separate the seeds. It is important to ensure that the seeds are fully dry before storage to prevent mold and spoilage.Soil
Lathyrus cicera prefers well-draining loamy soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant. A mix of garden soil with some sand and organic matter works well.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically every 4-6 weeks, to support its growth and flowering.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Lathyrus cicera as it is an annual plant. However, if grown in containers, ensure the pot has good drainage and consider refreshing the soil each growing season.Propagation
Lathyrus cicera can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist until germination, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for Lathyrus cicera. However, you can remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's appearance and health.Toxicity
Lathyrus cicera is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with all plants, it is best to prevent pets and children from ingesting any part of the plant.Additional
Lathyrus cicera is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This makes it a beneficial plant to grow in crop rotations or as a cover crop.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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