Peas

Record ($3.50) – 65-75 days, sweet, heat tolerant, long vined variety for multi – picking.  White flowered, 2 ½ “ pods.  Does better in the heat than Norli.  Plant height 4-5ft.

Lincoln ($3.50) -  72 days, the old homestead type.  Produces medium sized pods with 7-8 small peas.  Holds well in hot weather.  Large plant protects peas.  Heirloom.

Tall Telephone ($3.50) – 72-77 days.  Large podded climber.  Produces heavy yields of dark green peas with large pods.  8-10 peas per pod.  Popular home garden variety for mulit – picking.  Grows 5ft tall.

Blue Pod Capucijners ($3.50) – Heirloom.  Produces early blue pods that can be used as a specialty fresh pea, but is better known for dry use in mixed casseroles.  Peas dry to a grayish color.  Dwarf type.

The edible garden pea dates back to the 16^th century originating in England.  Most of the varieties that we see today were developed in the last century.  Fresh peas contain moderate level s of Vitamin A and C, calcium, phosphorus and iron.  The garden pea is primarily a hardy cool season annual that produces its flowers as the days lengthen.  Peas are a relatively easy crop to grow with few diseases or bug problems.

(Tip) Peas: Sow peas when soil is cool, not cold.  Peas prefer well drained loams with good amounts of organic matter; delay planting in heavy soils.  Grow early varieties on sandy soils due to the fact that they heat up quicker.  PH 6-7.  Fertility – Peas respond well to moderate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.  Excessive nitrogen will cause plants to become viny and will reduce yields.  Germination – Optimum temp 60F.  Peas should emerge in 5-7 days.  Sow peas 1” deep, 2” between seeds in rows 30” apart.  Often they are seeded in double rows.  Peas are relatively pest free, most problems come with hot weather.