Mint vs Sweet Pea

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

Mint

Mentha × piperita

Lamiaceae · herbs

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Mint (Zones 3-9)

Sweet Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Mint	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Mentha × piperita	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Lamiaceae	Fabaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	1' 6"	6'
Spread	3'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Purple	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Mint

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sweet Pea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Mint

✓ALWAYS grow in containers or with buried barriers — mint is extremely invasive.
✓Harvest frequently to keep bushy.
✓Thrives in moist shade.
✓Many varieties: chocolate, apple, pineapple.

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 Mint if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

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 3–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View MintProfile →View Sweet PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Mint grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

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

Mint needs part shade and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Mint or Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Mint at 1' 6". Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Mint spreads 3'.

Are Mint and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Mint and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Mint or Sweet Pea?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Mint	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Mentha × piperita	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Lamiaceae	Fabaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	1' 6"	6'
Spread	3'	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Purple	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Mint

✓ALWAYS grow in containers or with buried barriers — mint is extremely invasive.
✓Harvest frequently to keep bushy.
✓Thrives in moist shade.
✓Many varieties: chocolate, apple, pineapple.

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 Mint if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

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 3–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Mint grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Sweet Pea grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

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

Mint needs part shade and medium water, while Sweet Pea needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Mint or Sweet Pea?

Sweet Pea grows taller at 6' compared to Mint at 1' 6". Sweet Pea spreads 1' while Mint spreads 3'.

Are Mint and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

Yes, both Mint and Sweet Pea are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Mint or Sweet Pea?

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