Latin |
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Pisum sativa
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When To Start |
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Prefer cool weather. Can be planted in spring as early as the soil can be worked. Put a cloche over early plantings. After April 1, sow only enation-resistant varieties in areas where aphids carry this virus. Try planting dates between July and mid-August for a fall crop.
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Preparing the Soil |
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Well-drained, amended with finished compost. Add 2 cups of rock phosphate or bonemeal for 3-4m (10') of row, or 3-4kg (6-8lb) per 30m (100') of furrow or per 9.3sq m (100sq ft). A pH of 6-6.5 is ideal.
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Diseases |
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If plants turn yellow and wither from the ground up just after flowering, you have pea root rot from a soil fungus. It infects the plant in early spring when the soil is very wet. Prevent it by delaying planting until the soil is drier and by using finished compost when you plant. Rotate peas into new areas each year without repeating an area for 3-4 years. Pea enation disease is a Coastal virus disease spread by the green peach aphid. It ends flowering and causes pods to become warty and misshapen.
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Growing Tips |
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Plant most varieties along a trellis or fence. Soaking seeds is not advised for wet soils. SEED SPACING: Sow seeds 2cm (11/2") apart in rows 30cm (12") apart; or broadcast on raised beds at about 500g (1lb) per 9.3sq m (100sq ft). There is no need to thin plants. In early plantings, seed should be 2cm (1") deep. After April 15, plant 4cm (2") deep. Seeds sprout 6-14 days depending on soil temperature (10-20ºC (50-70ºF) is best). In optimal conditions at least 85% of seeds will germinate. Soil temperature for germination: 5-23ºC (40-75ºF). Usual seed life: 2 years.
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Harvest |
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Pick when pods fill out and peas are bright green. Make multiple sowings or grow several varieties to extend the harvest season.
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