Pisum sativum
Family: Papilionaceae

Of European origin, the garden pea is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables. It is said to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans. Until the late 16th century and the development of the edible-podded pea (also known as mange tout, sugar pea or snow pea) by the Dutch, it was only eaten dried. It was also found to be a good fodder and green manure crop, and was the first vegetable crop to be mechanized. Peas may be eaten raw, or boiled with a sprig of mint, then tossed in butter, to accompany poultry and meat. They are also used in soups and stocks. Edible-podded peas are favourites in stir-fries, and pea shoots are prized by the Cantonese.

Varieties

There are many cultivars of garden peas, including edible-podded kinds, and the best advice is to buy those that are offered locally by seedsmen. 'there are early, second early and maincrop cultivars of garden peas, a classification that relates to time of maturity. Early peas are the best choice if there is not much space available to grow all types. Height of peas varies from about 45 cm to 1.5 m (18-60 in). The dwarf kinds are often the first choice with home gardeners, as they need the least elaborate supports, but tall-growing kinds give the heaviest yields.

Cultivation

Peas are grown as annuals and are best in cool, humid climates. A suitable temperature range is 12°-18°C (54°-64°F). The seeds need a soil temperature of at least 10°C (50°F) to germinate. Peas are either round seeded or wrinkle seeded. Round-seeded peas are the hardiest and the wrinkle seeded kinds have the sweetest flavor. In mild climates, early peas can be sown in mid to late autumn and over-wintered under cloches. Alternatively, start sowing from late winter or early spring, the earliest sowings again under cloches. Successional sowings can then be made at monthly intervals until the middle of summer. Seeds are sown in drills 2.5 cm (1 in) deep and 5 cm (2 in) apart. Leave enough space between the rows for access. Peas grow in any fertile, well-drained soil and in an open, sunny position. It is best to rotate them with other crops, avoiding growing them in exactly the same spot more than once every three or four years. This prevents diseases from building up in the soil. The plants will need to be supported, either with twiggy sticks or with pea and bean netting, supported with stakes. Keep moist at all times and pick the pods regularly, while they are young and tender.

Climate

Zone 6.