Pisum sativum

Peas

Peas nourish our bodies with phytonutrients and, surprisingly, with omega-3 fatty acids. A hard-working crop, they improve the soil, fixing nitrogen that will feed future crops. Especially easy to grow in cool seasons. Snap peas have edible pods that are sweetest as the pods fatten up. High in vitamin C and niacin, they are most nutritious when fresh and briefly cooked. For the best nutrition and flavor, grow your own crops. Snap peas are the most productive of all the types of peas. Some snap peas develop strings that are easily removed by peeling them back as the pods are harvested.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 45–75°F
Seed Depth 1–1 ½"
Seed Spacing 1"
Days to Emergence 8–25
Thin Plants to N/A
Row Spacing 18–24"
Fertilizer Needs Low
Minimum Germination 80%
Seeds per Ounce ≈ 90–165
Seed Life 2 years

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More About The Seeds & Plants

Pea Disease Resistance Key

Ascochyta Fungal disease causing leaf spots and stem cankers.
Downy Mildew Fungal disease causing yellow spots, fuzzy growth.
Enation Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing leaf malformations, enations, mosaic symptoms.
Fusarium Wilt Fungal disease causing yellowing, wilting plant leaves.
Pea Enation Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing mosaic patterns, enations on peas.
Pea Leaf Roll Virus Viral disease causing leaf rolling, stunting in peas.
Powdery Mildew

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

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Pisum sativum

Days to maturity are calculated from the date of direct seeding. Note: In areas with mild winters such as the maritime Northwest, where peas can be planted in February, add 35-40 days.

Culture
• Peas are a hardy cool-season crop that can be grown in a variety of soil types
• Side dress plants with 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer and 1/2 cup bone meal per 10 row feet
• Climbing varieties should be trellised
• Most bush-type vines can be supported on a short trellis or allowed to grow as a mound
• Environmental stress, such as prolonged hot weather or lack of moisture, will reduce yields
• Extend your harvest through multiple sowings

Direct Sowing
• Peas may be sown as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring
• Cool temperatures lead to slow and erratic germination
• Sow peas in July for a fall crop
• In mild climates you can overwinter

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Pea aphid, pea weevil
• Insect control: Pyrethrin should be applied at seedling stage if leaf scalloping is observed
• Common diseases: Fusarium wilt (also called pea root rot), powdery and downy mildews, and pea enation mosaic virus (more common in Northwest and Northeast areas)
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• For snap and shelling peas, start checking for maturity as soon as the pods begin to swell; check daily as peas mature quickly. Snap pea pods should be plump and waxy, while shelling peas should be harvested before the pod turns waxy
• Snow peas should be harvested once the pods begin to show immature seeds inside
• Harvest frequently to keep plants producing
• Harvest earlier in the day as peas are crispiest then
• Harvest carefully, using both hands, to prevent damage to the plant
• If left on the vine too long, the peas become starchy and the pods become tough. Peas slightly past their prime may still be harvested, dried, and shelled
• Store at 36°F and 95% humidity for about 5 days. Paper bags protected by plastic work best
• To freeze peas, remove the seeds from the pod, blanch then place in cold water, drain, and place in sealed, freezer-safe containers

KEY TO PEA DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
AF | Ascochyta
DM | Downy Mildew
E | Enation Mosaic Virus
F* | Fusarium Wilt
PEMV | Pea Enation Mosaic Virus
PLR | Pea Leaf Roll Virus
PM | Powdery Mildew
* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

Our Crew's Top Choices

Employee Favorite Peas

Sweet, crisp, and truly stringless, Sugar Daddy peas are an employee favorite. Compact vines load up with tender snap pods perfect for fresh eating, stir-fries, and lunchbox snacks. Productive and easy to grow, they offer reliable harvests with minimal fuss, even in smaller beds or containers.

Close-up of Sugar Daddy snap pea pods showing curved, stringless 3-inch green pods on a wooden surface

Sugar Daddy Pea

Vegetable | pea | snap

From $8.95

65 days. If you’re looking for a genuinely stringless snap pea, Sugar Daddy is your man! The uniform, 24 inch plants are self-supporting and produce tender, sweet, 3 inch pods that are delicious in salads, stir-fries, or just straight off the vine. You’ll be grinning in your garden as you pick these curved pods that take the shape of a winning, toothy smile packed with tasty peas. PLR, PM. IR: F 1.