How to Grow Sturt's Desert Pea
Swainsona formosa
Sturt's desert pea (Swainsona formosa) is South Australia's floral emblem: a trailing annual bearing striking scarlet pea flowers with glossy black bosses. It demands full sun, perfect drainage, and low-nutrient soil — waterlogging kills it quickly. Sow seeds in biodegradable pots (to avoid disturbing the tap root) after the last frost, or direct sow in a prepared sandy bed. Avoid phosphorus fertilisers. Best suited to dry, hot conditions; challenging in humid climates.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 3 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a low-phosphorus, balanced fertiliser sparingly at planting. Sturt's desert pea is adapted to poor soils and performs best with minimal feeding. Excess phosphorus is toxic to this and other Australian native plants.
- Sturt's desert pea is the floral emblem of South Australia. The striking red pea flowers with glossy black central bosses trail along the ground and are unlike any other garden flower. It demands perfect drainage and full sun — waterlogging kills it rapidly. Sow direct or in biodegradable pots (the tap root hates disturbance). Not suitable for humid or cold climates without protection. A genuinely challenging plant outside its native arid environment, but spectacular when conditions are right.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 50 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Mature height | 20 cm |
| Mature spread | 100 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Sturt's Desert Pea?
- Plant Sturt's Desert Pea 50cm apart with 60cm between rows.
- When does Sturt's Desert Pea flower?
- Sturt's Desert Pea typically flowers approximately 90 days after transplanting.
- Is Sturt's Desert Pea frost hardy?
- Sturt's Desert Pea is classified as Tender.
