Pisum sativum (Garden pea)

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Plant description

The garden pea is an annual plant, grown for the nutritious and tasty pods that it bears. Peas are among some of the most popular plants in the vegetable garden, as they are easily grown and can be productive for many months. Their sugars convert to starch soon after picking, so home grown peas are a must.

Peas prefer a well drained, moist soil, and a sunny position. They like a dusting of lime, especially if the soil is acidic. Compost added before planting will be beneficial. Peas are a legume, which means that they can fix nitrogen in their roots. Fertilisers used should be higher in potassium and phosphorus than nitrogen for good production and plant health.

There are low growing and climbing cultivars, but both like to grow with something to cling onto. They cling with the aid of soft tendrils, so need suitable supports to wrap around. Wire mesh, string lines and twigs are all good. Climbing peas will grow tall, so make sure you have a good trellis for them to climb. The trellis can be a long straight fence, or a tripod shape made from stakes and wire or string.

Peas are a cool season crop, which means that they should be planted in autumn in warmer areas. In cold areas they are best planted after winter to avoid frost damage. Peas should be planted directly where they are to grow, about 5 cms deep. After planting the seed, water once and not again till they start sprouting, to avoid seed rot.

Peas are troubled by few pests or diseases. Powdery mildew and spider mites is two problems, but tend to occur mostly in warm humid weather. Sunny cool weather and good feeding should see healthy plant growth. Birds can be a problem, as they love the newly sprouted plants. Twigs or wire mesh around the seedlings can deter them.

They should be harvested when the pods are full and well grown, but before the pod begins to wrinkle. Pods left too long on the plant will become starchy and less sweet. Also, harvest regularly to keep plants productive. Pea shoots and pea flowers are also edible. Peas are high in fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. They also contain lutein, which is good for the eyes. 

Read more about peas here.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: White, purple
Flowering season: spring autumn winter

Plant size

Maximum height: 3 metres
Minimum height: 0.3 metres

Maximum width: not specified
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Birds and bees.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.8-7.0

Diseases

Powdery mildew

Pests

Red spider mites

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Plant in autumn in warmer areas, and after frosts in cold areas.

Types of fertiliser: Fertiliser low in nitrogen, and high in potassium and phosphorus.

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