Alaska, Pea Seeds

Alaska Pea Seed

Historic extra-early pea thrives in cool spring weather
Compact vines produce dependable shelling pods
Early maturity suits short growing seasons
Sweet peas brighten the first harvests of spring

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Pisum sativum

Days to maturity

55 Days

Sun

Full Sun

About Alaska, Pea Seed, Pea Seed

Alaska pea seeds grow into one of the oldest and earliest-maturing pea varieties, first introduced in the late 1800s and valued for its ability to thrive in cool northern climates. This hardy shelling pea produces compact, vining plants that yield an abundance of small, smooth, bright green pods filled with sweet, tender peas in just about 55 days, making it a favorite for short-season gardeners.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

7–10 days

In-row plant spacing

2-4"

Row Spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Maturity

Spring, Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Climbing, Vining

Type

SHELLING PEAS

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

125

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Growing Season

Cool-Season Crop

Before Planting

For Pea, select a full-sun location with loose, well-drained soil and avoid heavy nitrogen applications. Incorporate compost only if the soil is poor, and use a soil test to correct pH, phosphorus, or potassium. Inoculate pea seed with the appropriate legume inoculant where compatible legumes have not recently grown, and install supports before planting climbing types.

Planting

Direct sow peas in early spring as soon as the soil is workable; the crop germinates and grows best in cool conditions around 55–65°F. Keep soil moderately moist but avoid saturation in cold weather. Sow peas about 1–2 inches apart; thinning is normally unnecessary. For fall crops, sow early enough to mature before persistent hard freezes.

Watering

Pea needs about 1 inch of water weekly, especially while flowering and forming pods. Water deeply at soil level, but avoid keeping the root zone continuously wet.

Fertilizer

Avoid routine nitrogen fertilizer on pea; healthy nodules normally supply the crop’s needs. Correct phosphorus, potassium, or pH deficiencies only as indicated by a soil test.

Harvesting

Pick pea regularly when pods reach expected length and seeds are at the desired stage. Hold the stem while removing pods. Leave seed crops until pods and seeds are thoroughly dry.

Tips

Support tall or vining peas with a trellis before tendrils begin searching; compact bush types may stand without support. Harvest pods frequently and avoid working wet vines.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1 lb. per 80', 13 lb./1,000', 272 lb./acre at 25 seeds/ft., in rows 24" apart.

Pests & Diseases

Fusarium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot, powdery mildew, Ascochyta blight, and viruses affect peas. Choose resistant varieties, plant clean seed, and rotate legumes for several years. Remove stunted or mosaic plants, avoid working wet vines, and never save seed from pods produced on blighted plants.

Watch pea for aphids, weevils, beetles, cutworms, and mites. Remove egg clusters and badly infested foliage, protect seedlings with collars, and avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum insecticides.