Peas (Pisum sativum) Datasheet

1. Common Name: Peas (Garden Pea, Field Pea, Shell/Sugar Snap/Snow Pea)

2. Scientific Name: Pisum sativum

3. Family: Fabaceae

4. Origin: Domesticated from wild Mediterranean peas over 5,000 years ago; wild to central/Eastern Mediterranean region

5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–10; cool-season annual (Austrian winter pea thrives in fall-winter)

6. Light Requirements: Full sun; tolerates partial shade

7. Water Needs: Moderate (~1″/week); prefers evenly moist soil

8. Soil Preferences: Well-drained, fertile loam or light soils; pH 5.5–7.0; sensitive to salinity and extreme acidity

9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
   • Aquaponics: Very compatible
   • Aeroponics: Compatible
   • Hydroponics: Compatible
   • Preferred Method: Media-bed or NFT; ensure drainage and support for vines

10. Growth Habit: Cool-season annual, erect bush or climbing vine up to 2 m; stems hollow with tendrils

11. Height & Spread: Bush types 0.5–1 m; pole types up to 2 m; spread matches plant spacing

12. Time from Germination to Harvest: 50–70 days for green/snap/snow peas; ~90 days for dry peas

13. Flowering Time: Late spring to midsummer; white/pink/purple flowers produce pods

14. Edible Parts: Immature pods (snow peas, snap peas), seeds (garden peas, dried peas), pea shoots

15. Medicinal Uses: High in protein, fiber, vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals; supports digestive health; fixes nitrogen to benefit soil

16. Companion Plants: Excellent with carrots, radishes, lettuce, corn, cucumbers; nitrogen-fixing benefit; avoid onions and garlic

17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Watch for aphids, pea leaf weevil, fungal diseases, pea moth; maintain airflow and rotate crops

18. Harvest Time:
    • Pods before seeds bulge—garden, snow, snap peas
    • Seeds when pods dry for field/dry peas
    • Store fresh beans 5–7 days refrigerated; dry peas for long-term storage

19. Propagation Methods: Direct-sow seeds 1–3″ deep; thin 2–3″ apart; inoculate with Rhizobium leguminosarum for best nodulation

20. Sustainability Features: Nitrogen-fixing, supports pollinators, green manure potential (especially Austrian winter peas), improves soil structure and biodiversity

21. Culinary Uses: Steamed, fresh, frozen; snow and snap peas in stir-fries; dried peas in soups, split-pea dishes; pea shoots in salads or stir-fries

22. Fun Fact: Gregor Mendel’s classic genetic experiments used garden peas, leading to foundational laws of inheritance

🥢 Snap Peas (Edible-podded)

Sugar Snap (Pisum sativum 'Sugar Snap')
Flavor Profile: Crisp, sweet pods with a satisfying "snap."
Culinary Uses: Great fresh, in salads, stir-fries, and freezing.
Notes: First true snap pea, AAS winner in 1979; tall vines (~6–8 ft); disease-resistant varieties available victoryseeds.com.
Planting Tip: Sow early spring; provide sturdy trellis; harvest continuously.
Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days

Sugar Ann (Pisum sativum 'Sugar Ann')
Flavor Profile: Sweet and tender pods; compact form.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for snacking, stir-fries, and freezing.
Notes: Early maturing hybrid; disease-resistant; bushy habit (~2‑3 ft tall) .
Planting Tip: Ideal for containers or small gardens; sow 1″ deep, 4–6″ apart.
Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days

🥬 Snow Peas (Flat edible-pod)

Oregon Giant Snow Pea (Pisum sativum)
Flavor Profile: Very sweet, tender, and large pods (~5–5½″ long).
Culinary Uses: Excellent in stir-fries or raw salads.
Notes: Tall (30″+) bush/vine; white butterfly-like flowers; vigorous productivity .
Planting Tip: Provide moderate support; harvest before seeds swell.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

🥔 Garden (Shelling) Peas

Little Marvel (Pisum sativum 'Little Marvel')
Flavor Profile: Classic, sweet, and tender.
Culinary Uses: Shell fresh peas for eating or freezing.
Notes: Heirloom dwarf bush (~20 in tall); high-yielding; AAS winner in 1934 .
Planting Tip: Great for smaller spaces; sow early spring.
Days to Maturity: ~63 days

Alaska (Pisum sativum 'Alaska')
Flavor Profile: Sweet and crisp.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for shelling or freezing.
Notes: Heirloom dwarf (~55 days maturity); hardy to cold soils .
Planting Tip: Plant as soon as soil can be worked.
Days to Maturity: ~55 days

Tom Thumb / Half Pint (Pisum sativum 'Tom Thumb')
Flavor Profile: Sweet; miniature size.
Culinary Uses: Shelling peas or fresh snacking.
Notes: Heirloom extra-dwarf (~25 cm tall); perfect for containers .
Planting Tip: No support needed; sow densely.
Days to Maturity: ~55 days

❄️ Austrian Winter Pea (Pisum sativum)

Austrian Winter Pea (Pisum sativum 'Austrian Winter')
Flavor Profile: Mild, starchy field-pea taste.
Culinary Uses: Typically used as a cover crop, forage, or field pea.
Notes: Cold-hardy to ~0 °F; climbs 2–4 ft; purple or white flowers; fixes nitrogen (~60–120 lb/acre) .
Planting Tip: Sow late summer/fall (~Aug–Oct) for spring biomass; seed 1–1.5″ deep.
Days to Maturity: ~60–90 days depending on planting date

🌱 Pea Variety Snapshot