Saving Sweet Pea Seeds: Harvest, Drying, and Storage

Collecting Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) Seeds for Next Year

Sweet pea pods are ready when they turn yellow-brown and begin to dry.

Harvest and Processing

1. Pick pods before they split open.
2. Spread in a single layer indoors to finish drying (1–2 weeks).
3. Shell the round seeds from the pods.
4. Store in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dark, dry place.

Properly stored seeds remain viable for 3–5 years. Sweet peas are annuals; sow in early spring for summer blooms.