Basil vs Sweet Pea

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Lamiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Basil (Zones 2-11)

Sweet Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 2–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Basil	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Lamiaceae	Fabaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	2'	6'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Basil

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sweet Pea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 2–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View BasilProfile →View Sweet PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 2 through 11.

Do Basil and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

Basil needs full sun and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Basil or Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Basil at 2'. Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Basil spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Sweet Pea is deer resistant, but Basil is not. If deer are a concern, Sweet Pea is the better choice, or protect Basil with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Sweet Pea?

Basil has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Basil may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Basil	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Lamiaceae	Fabaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	2'	6'
Spread	1'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 2–11. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 2 through 11.

Do Basil and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

Basil needs full sun and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Basil or Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Basil at 2'. Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Basil spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Sweet Pea is deer resistant, but Basil is not. If deer are a concern, Sweet Pea is the better choice, or protect Basil with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Sweet Pea?

Basil has low maintenance while Sweet Pea has medium maintenance. Basil may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.