Sweet peas are climbers which grow annually and which belong to the family of ‘Fabaceae’. The name sweet pea refers to ‘delicate pleasures’. The plant bears flowers which appear in clusters and are available in colours like pink, blue, white, red and lavender. The shape of the flowers resembles butterflies with decorative wings. The sweet odour of the flowers attracts bees and other insects which help in pollination. The flowers blossom in late spring till the end of summer. Some varieties are even found to flower during fall.

The attractive appearance of sweet pea has made it a popular flower. It is widely found in the gardens and is also used as cut flowers. Sweet pea originated in Italy and is found in the Mediterranean region from Sicily to Crete. They grow well in fertile well-drained soil and in bright sunlight.

The plant can climb to a height of about 2 metres, with featherlike leaves that have a tendril at its terminal end. The seeds are inedible since they contain a poisonous substance called neurotoxin.