Peas
Pisum sativum
Family: Fabaceae · Genus: Pisum
Peas are cool-season annual vines in the legume family, grown for their edible seeds and pods. They fix nitrogen in the soil, making them excellent rotation crops. Native to the Mediterranean basin and the Near East.
Soil Temperature
8°C – 24°C
Spacing
5 – 8 cm
Harvest
9–11 weeks
Sowing
Easy to grow. Sow in garden.
Growing Schedule Zone 8b
Companions
Growing Notes
Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Peas need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support. Some pea varieties are called 'dwarf' but to make harvesting easier it is a good idea to support the plants. Pick pea pods while young and pick them often to keep them producing.
Culinary Hints
Raw straight from the pod in the garden is best! Raw in salads. Steamed lightly. Small pods can be steamed whole.