Pea
Pisum sativum
Peas are climbing annuals that produce sweet pods over several weeks. They prefer cool conditions and can tolerate light frost. Most types need support. Pick regularly to extend the harvest window - pods left to mature on the plant signal the plant to stop producing.
Terminology
Key facts
- Family
- Fabaceae (Legumes)
- Category
- Legume
- Height
- 45-180 cm depending on variety
- Soil type
- Fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Sowing window
- Feb–Jun
- Sowing depth
- 30 mm
- Spacing
- 5-10 cm between plants, 45-60 cm between rows
- Watering
- medium
- Frost sensitivity
- low
- Days to maturity
- 60-80 days from sowing depending on variety
- Harvest window
- May - Sep
- Storage
- Fresh: refrigerator; surplus: blanch and freeze immediately after picking
- Storage duration
- Fresh: 2-3 days; flavour declines quickly
Soil
Preparation
- -Incorporate compost before sowing
- -Avoid fresh manure - encourages leafy growth at the expense of pods
- -Rotate - do not plant fabaceae in the same ground more than once every 3-4 years
Sowing notes
- -Direct sow in drills 3-5 cm deep
- -Peas tolerate light frost - early sowings can go out in February under fleece
- -Succession sow every 3-4 weeks for a continuous harvest
- -Avoid sowing in wet, cold soil - seeds rot easily
- -Mice and birds may take seeds - protect early sowings
Propagation
- -Direct sow in flat-bottomed drills 15 cm wide, seeds 5-8 cm apart
- -Erect support before or at sowing - twiggy sticks, netting, or canes
- -Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushing and deter aphids on dwarf varieties
Harvest notes
- -Pick when pods are plump and well-filled but before they start to yellow
- -Check daily in peak season - flavour declines quickly once pods are ready
- -Remove spent plants promptly and compost or dig in to return nitrogen
Varieties
Issues & threats
Wilting
EnvironmentalPlants are drooping or losing vigour. Most commonly caused by water stress but can also indicate root damage, vascular disease, or heat scorch. Identifying the cause quickly is important as some causes are serious.
Poor germination
EnvironmentalSeeds are emerging unevenly or not at all. Usually caused by soil temperature being too low, seeds sown too deep, poor seed-to-soil contact, or old seed stock.
Damping off
Fungal diseasePythium spp. / Phytophthora spp.
Young seedlings collapse at or just below soil level, caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in overwatered, poorly ventilated growing conditions. Can spread rapidly through a seed tray.
Yellowing leaves
EnvironmentalLeaves are turning yellow, which can indicate a range of problems including nutrient deficiency, overwatering, disease, or natural senescence. Identifying whether the pattern is upper or lower leaves, whole leaves or between veins, is key to diagnosis.
Stunted growth
EnvironmentalPlants are significantly smaller or slower to develop than expected. May be caused by poor soil, nutrient deficiency, root restriction, compaction, pest damage to roots, or disease.
Chewing damage
PestGeneral chewing damage from an unidentified pest, leaving holes or missing leaf sections. May be caused by caterpillars, beetles, or other insects. Inspect at dusk to identify the culprit.
Sap-sucking pests
PestGeneral sap-feeding pest activity causing weakened or distorted growth. May be caused by aphids, whitefly, scale insects, or other sucking insects. Inspect leaf undersides and growing tips to identify the pest.