Peas

Peas

Peas are one of the most delicious vegetables in the garden. They grow fast and furious in the garden. Peas grow best under the cool conditions of spring and fall. Try growing a variety of shelling, snap and snow peas in the garden.

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How to Grow Peas

Thomas Laxton is an heirloom pea plant that is big and productive. At Urban Farmer we have trialed these a few times and they are always are favorite shelling pea. The peas are always sugary and delicious. This pea variety is named after the famous pea breeder, Thomas Laxton. This old heirloom pea is over a century old and has withstood the test of time. Each pod contains at least 8 peas and often up to 10! Make sure to support the Thomas Laxton's 3' vines with a trellis.

Produces an abundance of little snap peas that are delicious straight from the garden. This was one of our favorite snap peas in our trials at Urban Farmer. Little SnapPea Petite sets dainty, sweet, crunchy pods on a full-sized plant. Productive plants grow well in large containers, small gardens, or large gardens. Expect lots of crunchy, sweet, juicy, edible pod peas in about 65 days. In-ground plants will reach 80 inches, container-grown plants will be smaller. For Pea shoots, this variety grows quickly (10 days) and has delicate round leaves and fresh flavor-tastes just like spring peas! The texture is crisp but tender, and plants have long internodes and smallish leaves.

Parsley peas are a unique and flavorful variety of snap peas, known for their distinctive, richly aromatic foliage and vibrant, tender pods. Unlike traditional pea varieties, parsley peas feature a subtle parsley-like flavor in addition to the sweet, crisp taste of the peas themselves. This variety is characterized by its elegant, finely cut leaves that resemble parsley, adding both visual appeal and an aromatic twist to the garden. The plants produce straight, green pods that typically reach 2 to 3 inches in length, ideal for snacking, salads, or stir-fries. Parsley peas are appreciated for their vigorous growth and high yield, coupled with their ability to thrive in cooler weather conditions. They are generally low-maintenance and require minimal staking, making them well-suited for both garden beds and containers. Their distinctive taste and attractive foliage make parsley peas a charming and flavorful addition to any vegetable garden.

Bolero peas are a robust and high-yielding variety of shelling peas, known for their impressive productivity and excellent flavor. These peas produce plump, tender pods that are filled with smooth, vibrant green peas, offering a sweet and slightly nutty taste that enhances a variety of dishes. Bolero peas are distinguished by their vigorous growth habit and high resistance to common pea diseases, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a hardy and consistent crop. The plants typically grow to a medium height and require minimal support, making them suitable for both garden beds and containers. Bolero peas thrive in cooler weather, ideally planted in early spring or late summer, and they exhibit a strong tolerance to temperature fluctuations. With their generous yields and delectable flavor, Bolero peas are an excellent choice for both home gardeners and those looking to enjoy fresh, homegrown peas throughout the growing season.

Ambassador features a stiff, upright stalk. Ambassador is known for its ease during harvest, & combined with a strong disease resistance package.

Jumpstart is an early season, normal vined pea. Pod sizes averages 3.5-4" with 7-8 peas per pod. Offers robust disease resistance, Jumpstart is an exceptional option for an early season variety being mature in 57 days.

Jumbo is a full season, fresh market pea. This is a high producing pea as well. Matures at 71 days and has larger than normal pods.

Green Arrow peas are a classic heirloom variety valued for their exceptional taste and reliable performance. Originating from the United Kingdom, this variety has been a staple in gardens for many decades. The Green Arrow pea plant is known for its vigorous, upright growth habit, typically reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet, making it suitable for small to medium-sized gardens and easy to manage without extensive support. The peas themselves are distinguished by their smooth, bright green pods and plump, tender peas that offer a sweet, fresh flavor. These peas are primarily used for fresh eating, though they are also excellent for freezing. They are generally harvested when the pods are fully formed but still tender, usually in late spring to early summer. The Green Arrow variety is appreciated for its high yield and disease resistance, which contribute to a bountiful harvest. With its sweet flavor, productive growth, and ease of cultivation, Green Arrow peas remain a popular choice among gardeners seeking a dependable and delicious pea variety.

Sugar Lace peas are a unique variety of edible-podded peas known for their attractive, semi-leafless vines with tendrils that help them cling and climb, reducing the need for support. These peas produce sweet, crisp pods that are stringless and ideal for fresh eating, stir-frying, or steaming. Unlike traditional shelling peas, Sugar Lace peas are enjoyed whole, pod and all, making them a convenient and nutritious garden snack. They are a late-season type with high yields and excellent disease resistance, thriving best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Their compact growth habit also makes them suitable for small gardens or container planting.

Mr. Big pea seeds are a beloved choice for gardeners seeking to grow large, sweet, and flavorful peas. This exceptional variety is known for its impressive pods, which can reach up to 5 inches in length and are packed with plump, vibrant green peas. Mr. Big peas thrive in cooler climates and are typically sown in early spring or fall, making them a versatile addition to any garden. They not only offer a bountiful harvest but are also resistant to certain pests and diseases, making them a resilient choice for growers. The sweet flavor of Mr. Big peas makes them perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or incorporating into a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. With their easy cultivation and delightful taste, Mr. Big pea seeds are a fantastic option for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to enjoy a rewarding crop. All American Selection winner.

The Sugar Magnolia Pea is a beautiful deep purple colored sugar snap pea that is the result of over 15 years of development! This spectacular beauty has a very sweet flavor and is best before the pods get too fat. Make sure that this climbing variety has a trellis, as its sturdy vines reach to be 6-7 feet tall. Add the Sugar Magnolia to fresh salads or as a steamed side dish for a pop of color!

Opal Creek is a unique cross of a golden snow pea and a green snap pea. Produces a mild pea with flattened pods of a snow pea. Grows on 5-6 foot vines that produce an abundance of delicious yellow pods.

The Oregon Sugar Pod II Pea is a high yielding snow pea that has a high percentage of two pods per cluster! This variety grows to a height of 28" and bears 4 1/2" long pods that are disease resistant to pea virus, common wilt and powdery mildew. The Oregon Sugar Pod II produces delicious flat and tender pea pods that are superb for freezing!

The Sugar Snap Pea is a garden staple pea that has unmatchable taste! This variety has tall vines that with support can grow up to 6 feet plus! The Sugar Snap Pea plant produces 3" long pods that are a 1/2" across, and bear over a long picking period. This is pea is so tasty that people will eat it directly after picking! Sugar Snap yields well in both hot and cold weather.

The Early Frosty Pea is an old heirloom that, just like its name suggests, thrives in the colder climates. This variety does great in early spring or short season plantings. The vines are cold hardy and can grow to 30." This pea plant yields 3 1/2” pods filled with 6-7 delicious medium sized peas that are excellent for fresh eating or freezing for later use.

The Blue Shelling Pea is a Dutch heirloom blue podded pea that has been highly regarded for hundreds of years. This very versatile variety can be picked young and eaten raw as a colorful snow pea pod or left to swell and harvested as a plump pea for cooking. This pea plant produces lovely purple flowers with a faint scent that are also edible and delicious! Traditionally used as a winter dish, Blue Shelling would be soaked overnight and then pan fried with onions and bacon - yum! Give this 6' plant some support.

The Lincoln Pea is an extra tender variety with a sweet flavor and high yields. This pea variety was introduced just after World War II during the peace time. Lincoln quickly became a popular home garden variety due to its versatility, as it can be eaten fresh, froze or canned. Its pods can reach 4-5" in length and are full of 6-9 sweet, tender peas. Lincoln does well in heat and should have a small pea fence or some sort of support or its vines.

Little SnowPea Purple produces dwarf-sized vines with beautiful purple flowers. This pea plant is tiny yet productive and does well in small gardens or containers. The pods mature early and have a crunchy bite. Plants will reach a maximum height of 24 inches. For pea shoots, matures in 10 days. Expect slender, tight greens with minimal side branching, upright habit, and ease of harvest and stack.