Lathyrus tuberosus (Tuberous pea) — Climbing

Overview

Lathyrus tuberosus is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1 year. Lathyrus tuberosus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH.

About

Lathyrus tuberosus (also known as the tuberous pea, tuberous vetchling, earthnut pea, aardaker, or tine-tare) is a small, climbing perennial plant, native in moist temperate parts of Europe and Western Asia. The plant is a trailer or weak climber, supported by tendrils, growing to 1.2 m tall. The leaves are pinnate, with two leaflets and a branched twining tendril at the apex of the petiole. Its flowers are hermaphroditic, pollinated by bees. Mature plants reach roughly 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus tuberosus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered

Plant details

Lathyrus tuberosus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial, Climber Wall Shrub
Habit: Climbing
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 1 year

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus tuberosus?

Lathyrus tuberosus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lathyrus tuberosus need?

Lathyrus tuberosus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.