Black pea
Lathyrus niger · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant black pea: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Fabaceae (legumes)
- Form
- Herbaceous perennial
- Flowering
- May to July, dark purple-black flowers
- Adult size
- 40 to 80 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, compound, medium green
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Southern and central Europe
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
Care
Exposure
Black pea thrives in full sun or partial shade. It will tolerate slightly shaded areas, but a sunny exposure will encourage more generous flowering and a more compact habit. Avoid overly hot and dry spots in Mediterranean climates.
Soil and planting
It prefers well-drained, not too rich soil, slightly limey or neutral. Black pea adapts well to poor and rocky soils. Plant in autumn or spring, spacing plants 50 cm apart. Improve overly compact soil with compost.
Watering
Water regularly during the first two years to establish the root system. Once established, the plant tolerates drought well thanks to its deep roots. During very dry periods, weekly watering will suffice. Avoid excess winter moisture.
Fertilizing
Black pea, like all legumes, naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen through root nodules. A balanced fertilizer application in spring is optional. Favor organic mulching that will gradually feed the soil.
Pruning and maintenance
Lightly cut back after flowering to stimulate branching and compact the habit. In late winter, remove dead or damaged stems. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. No drastic pruning is necessary.
Health and pests
Black pea is robust and rarely prone to disease. Watch for powdery mildew in cases of stagnant moisture. Occasionally check for aphids in spring. Good drainage and good air circulation limit fungal issues.
Did you know?
Black pea bears its flowers in clusters of intense dark purple, almost black — hence its name. Once cultivated as nutritious fodder for livestock due to its protein richness, it fascinates botanists with its root nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen, a valuable capacity in ecological agriculture.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.