Pisum sativum

Pea

Annual scandent herb with edible fruit, growing up to 2m (6 feet). Pinnate leaves with oblong to ovate leaflets. Flowers are usually white. Fruit is a flat to cylindrical dehiscent pod. Seeds are globose, green, yellow or white, smooth or wrinkled.

Uses

Pods can be harvested before seeds are developed and used as a chinese vegetable. Mature pods can be harvested once the seeds have matured. Seeds can be frozen or dried. Can be boiled, steamed or used in salads.

Culture

Prefers temperatures between 13-18 degrees C. Higher temperatures make pods tougher and less flavoursome. Sow seed between mid winter until early summer in temperate climates. Plant in fertile soil containing composted animal manures. Peas require calcium, iron and phosphorous. Manganese is essential for maximum cropping. Peas are sensitive to saline soil. Apply lime and dolomite, but the soil pH should be maintained between 6.5-7.0 Sow seeds into well-watered soils and keep moist until germination. Can be attacked by aphis, mites, leaf miners, weevils, nematodes and bugs. Disease problems include powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial blight, fusarium wiltpythium, anthracnose and virus. Taller varieties require a trellis or other support. http://osu.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/pea-w.html

Propagation

Seed

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