PEA
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PEA

Pisum sativum
SEED SPECS: Approximately 1,000 seeds per pound      Seeding rate:  120-180 pounds per acre   Yield: 500-3500 pounds per acre

The garden pea is one of the most popular and earliest vegetables with numerous varieties now on the market.  A member of the Leguminosae family, peas are thought to be natives of Europe and western Asia.  There have long been considered two main types - smooth seeded and  wrinkle seeded.  The smooth seeded peas are a bit more cold hardy and so are often sown first, but are usually smaller than the seeds of the wrinkled varieties and tend to 'go starchy' faster as they mature.  They are the preferred type for use as dried peas for soups.  The wrinkled varieties are sweeter and have long been preferred for eating fresh, canned or frozen.

Because peas are intolerant of hot weather, it is best to plant them in spring as soon as killing frosts have passed.  Light frosts will not harm seeds in the ground or small plants above ground.  In warmer climates such as the southern US, they may be sown in fall as well. 

Peas grow best in a light fertile soil that does not dry out excessively. The best preparation for a pea plot should be begun in the fall or early spring.  The soil should be worked to a depth of about 10-12 inches with a generous amount of compost or well rotted manure worked in, then allowed to sit through the winter.  In the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, the area should be tilled until fine.  If the soil is rather sandy, it is best to work in a considerable amount of compost or manure to a 12 inch depth.  Once the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, the plants should be mulched with decayed manure, leaves or other organic material. 

Pea seeds should be sown thickly, 2 inches apart at a depth of 1 to 2 inches.  The distance between the rows should be approximately the mature height of the plant.  So, if the plants will reach 3 feet in height at maturity, the rows should be 3 feet apart.  An alternative method of planting is the dual row system.  Dig two rows (or furrows) about 6-10 inches apart, leaving enough space between rows to insert some supports on which the pea plants can climb.  The distance between these dual rows should follow the same rule as the single row system (distance should be the mature height of the plant as explained above.)

Peas should be staked or provided some support on which to climb.  They do not tend to do as well when left to run on the ground.  Teepees, fencing or other support may be used.

When small, the plants should be kept weed free and not allowed to become excessively dry, which will hamper their production.  Mulching the plants will cut down on both weed growth and water loss.

Peas should be harvested when the seeds are full, but not tough.  Edible pod peas should be harvested young, when the pods are still tender.

(See below variety listings for a guide to soil planting temperatures)





SHELLING PEAS

alaska pea seed plant  Alaska (55 days)  Heirloom variety from the 1880s bred for short seasons.  Plants are compact, vigorous, and fast growing.  Pods are 2-3 inches long. Smooth seeded type
#2556  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-2556   Bulk seed   1 lb  $10.29
#B2-2556   Bulk seed   2 lb  $16.29
#B5-2556   Bulk seed  5lb  $37.75


Green Arrow Pea  Green Arrow (68-75 days) Heirloom variety that has never lost its popularity with long pods filled with firm round peas. Resists wilt and mildew.  Wrinkled seeded type
#282  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-282   Bulk seed   1 lb  $10.29
#B2-282   Bulk seed   2 lb  $15.49
#B5-282   Bulk seed  5lb  $35.25


Lincoln Homesteader Pea  Lincoln or Homesteader (70 days)  Heirloom variety that is excellent for hot weather. Small peas resist wilt. Wrinkled seeded type
#572  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-572   Bulk seed   1lb  $10.29
#B2-572   Bulk seed   2 lb  $15.49
#B5-572   Bulk seed  5lb  $35.25



little marvel pea seed plant  Little Marvel (Sutton's Little Marvel) 63 days-  16 inch plants require no staking.  Sweet peas in 3-1/2 inch pods.  Wrinkled seeded type
#573  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-573   Bulk seed   1lb  $9.79
#B2-573   Bulk seed   2 lb  $14.99
#B5-573   Bulk seed  5lb  $33.99


Thomas Laxton Pea  Thomas Laxton (60-65 days) This heirloom variety was named for Thomas Laxton, a botanist who performed experiments for Charles Darwin in the 1860s. 4-5 in. pods are filled with firm peas. Freezes and cans well.  Wrinkled seeded type
#283  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-283   Bulk seed   1lb  $9.99
#B2-283   Bulk seed   1lb  $14.99
#B5-283   Bulk seed  5lb  $33.99



SNAP PEAS (SNOW PEA)

mammoth melting sugar pea seed plant   Mammoth Melting Sugar (74 days)  Thick pods and white seeds.  Sweet and tender.  Freezes well. Wrinkled seeded type
#660  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-660   Bulk seed   1lb  $11.49
#B2-660   Bulk seed   2 lb  $17.99
#B5-660   Bulk seed  5lb  $41.75



Oregon Giant (70 days)  Heirloom variety with good disease resistance.  Large 4-1/2in, flat pods.  Freezes well. Wrinkled seeded type
#1179  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-1179   Bulk seed   1lb  $9.99
#B2-1179   Bulk seed   2 lb  $14.99
#B5-1179   Bulk seed  5lb  $33.99


Oregon Sugar Pod Pea  Oregon Sugar Pod (68-75 days) Dependable producer ; freezes well an does not lose its bright green color. Resistant to wilt and mildew. Wrinkled seeded type
#284  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-284   Bulk seed   1lb  $9.99
#B2-284   Bulk seed   2 lb  $14.99
#B5-284   Bulk seed  5lb  $33.99



BLACK-EYED PEAS (COW PEA)

California Black-eye (75 days)  A southern US favorite, these little round peas are more like beans and need warm temperatures to develop fully.  This variety has the characteristic black eye and produced 6-7 inch pods, filled with seeds.  Delicous cooked.
#665  Packet, $3.50 each,  Approximately 75 seeds
#B1-665   Bulk seed   1lb  $10.64
#B2-665   Bulk seed   2 lb  $15.49
#B5-665   Bulk seed   5 lb  $35.25


Graph of soil temperatures for planting pea seeds
There is great diversity in the pea varieties that we offer; which makes the general information provided only valuable as adjustable guidelines. This may also affect your seed planting and propagation strategies and the germination rates under your planting conditions may vary from the seed lot test results. The following soil temperature data is for peas in general. Temperatures are average daytime from planting to emergence. Percentage is average germination rate. Days is number of days to emergence.

32ºF x 0% x 0 days; 41ºF x 89% x 36 days; 50ºF x 93% x 14 days; 59ºF x 93% x 9 days; 68ºF x 93% x 8 days; 77ºF x 94% x 6 days; 86ºF x 86% x 6 days; 95ºF x 0% x 0 days;

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