Planting & Growing Instructions for Heirloom / Open Pollinated Peas

Heirloom Pea Seeds

(Pisum sativum)

Heirloom / Open Pollinated Peas are a cool weather crop, that like well drained soil and plenty of organic matter to assist with moisture retention. Direct sow Heirloom / Open Pollinated Peas as soon as soil can be worked in the spring. Plant Pea seeds in full sun, 1-1½” deep, 1 – 2″ apart, in rows 18-24″ apart. Pea seeds should germinate in 6-14 days at 45-75°F. No need to thin plants. Provide a trellis or other support for climbing varieties. Heirloom / Open Pollinated Bush Pea varieties usually do fine with a short trellis or planting in a block so Pea plants support each other. Harvest Heirloom / Open Pollinated Shelling Peas when pods are full and plump and peas are tender; Heirloom / Open Pollinated Snap Peas when the pods start filling out but are not yet fully mature; and Heirloom / Open Pollinated Snow Peas when pods are approx. 3″ long and still flat, before seeds start to fill out.