Sugar pea

Pisum sativum

Originates from eastern Asia and spread to Asia Minor and Europe during the migration of peoples westward. This pea belongs to the group cultivated exclusively for green pods and immature juicy seeds. The green pods are small, approximately 4–6 cm long, very crisp and juicy. The seeds are very sweet and delicate in taste, as is the pod. Can be frozen. We eat the pods immature and completely whole, unlike traditional green peas. Contains mainly vitamin C, B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc and iron.

How to Grow Peas

• Peas can be grown together with radishes, lettuce, kohlrabi, carrots, courgettes or cucumbers. Onions, potatoes and tomatoes are not suitable companions. Peas are a cool-season crop, thriving best at temperatures of 13–18°C. They require a sunny location. Support is essential for peas. The soil should remain at least moist. Keep the plot weed-free with regular hoeing. Water only when necessary during extreme drought.

• Sow seeds directly in their final location from March to April, at a depth of 5–7 cm with spacing of 20–25×4–6 cm. The best time to start growing is the turn of March and April.

• Medium-heavy soils are suitable. Adequately water-retentive. Optimal pH 6.5–7.5.

• The soil does not need fertilizing. Peas absorb even hard-to-reach nutrients from the soil profile.

• The most common pests affecting peas include pea weevil, pea moth and bean weevil. Against these pests we can use, for example, Pirimor 50 WG or Decis Mega products.

• Harvest whole pods approximately 3 weeks after flowering.