Heirloom Peas
Peas
Harvesting Peas and Seeds
Peas are self-pollinating. Sugar peas don’t generally cross with snap peas. When harvesting the seed, peas must be completely ripe in order to germinate well. Let the pea pods remain on the plants until the peas are thoroughly dry and rattling inside the pods, about a month after harvesting the others for eating. If the forecast calls for wet weather before the peas are dry, pull out the plants and stack them loosely in a well-ventilated area to continue drying. After a couple weeks, remove the peas from the pods by hand or by threshing. Pea seeds are harvested ANNUALLY.
Sugar Snap
The “Sugar Snap” Pea is the original snap pea! An “All-America Selection” winner in 1979, Sugar Snap Pea seeds produce 3 inches long pods that are sweet and delicious on 6 feet long vines. Excellent variety for freezing.
Maturity: 68 days
Thomas Laxton
This famous heirloom pea was first introduced in the late nineteenth century by its namesake, legendary botanist, and colleague of Charles Darwin, Thomas Laxton. This variety produces luscious dark green peas that average about 4 inches in length. The Thomas Laxton Pea is resistant to powdery mildew.
Maturity: 60 days