Peas - Main Crop

Type: Vegetable

Rotation Group: 3, Legumes


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ALDERMAN

A tall variety, which can be grown like runner beans, this Victorian variety has much more than historical value. We think you will agree that with heavy crops of long pods, each holding up to 11 large and delicious peas, Alderman is the finest tall pea, with the advantage of a long harvesting period.
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HURST GREENSHAFT

This is the pea by which all others are judged, for it is outstanding in all respects, not least its superb flavour. The long, pointed pods, presented in pairs, each hold about 10 delicious peas. Resistant to disease and capable of long cropping, this high yielder may win you points on the show bench as well as praise in the kitchen.
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ONWARD

A real old fashioned 'marrowfat', which has retained its great popularity through the years. Regarded by many as THE maincrop pea, the disease-resistant plants produce masses of blunt, dark green pods filled with large, tasty peas.
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CHAMPION OF ENGLAND

The highly productive plants can climb to an impressive 3m/10ft tall and produce masses of pods, each containing 8-10 delicious peas.

Site, Soil and Preparation

Peas prefer an open, sunny position with good drainage. If your soil is acidic, then add lime before sowing. Maincrop cultivars are sown from March to June and take up to 16 weeks.

Indoor Sowing

Peas are best sown along a length of guttering filled with compost, spacing seeds about 7.5cm (3in) apart. This makes transplanting outside easy, as you have a ready-made row that can simply be slid into a trench. Alternatively, sow in modular trays or small pots.

Outdoor Sowing

Never sow into cold, wet soil, warm the soil with polythene or cloches before sowing. However, peas generally prefer cooler weather and grow well in a cool spring. Sow the seeds evenly in a 50mm (2in) deep x 150mm (6in) wide trench. Sow about 7.5cm (3in) apart, cover with soil, then lightly firm.

Thinning

Thinning of peas should not be needed if planted at the correct spacings.

Transplanting

Transplant indoor sown peas to the final growing position when the shoots are at least 50mm (2in) high.

Care

Most peas need supports to scramble up. For taller varieties use trellis or bamboo canes and netting. For smaller varieties use pea netting or pea sticks. After flowering, plants need sufficient water for the pods to swell. Water the plants when they start to flower and two weeks after. Add a thick mulch around the base of the plants to help prevent the soil drying out.

Harvest

Pods are ready to harvest when they're well filled. Pick regularly, otherwise the plants will stop producing flowers and pods.