LegumesFabaceae
Peas.
Cool seasonNitrogen fixerDeer favorite
At a glance
The spec sheet.
- Direct sow / out
- Direct sow Mar 25–Apr 15
- Germ
- 7–14 days
- Days to harvest
- 60–70
- Spacing
- 2", double rows on trellis
- Depth
- 1"
- Square-foot
- 8 per square, trellised north side
- Qty target
- 20 feet of trellis for regular fresh eating + freezing.
Plant
Soak seed 12 hours before planting for faster germination. Trellis every variety — even 'dwarf' peas.
Care
Trellis by 4" tall. Keep evenly moist. Powdery mildew in warm humid weather ends the crop.
Harvest
Snap when pods are plump. Snow peas: flat pods. Snap peas: fully filled but tender. Pick daily.
Freeze after blanching 90 seconds. Dry shell peas for winter soup.