Sunday, April 24, 2011

First Look

Here it is: the first pea pod I've ever produced. 



Pardon my excitement, but I can't help taking a virtual curtsy. 

A little background: these were direct sown on February 12 and were off to a good start by three weeks later. These are Sugar Ann peas from Cornucopia and are ready to harvest in "just 45 days," according to the package. It's been more like double that and there are hardly enough to "harvest" but I am proud of them nonetheless. 

More from the seed packet: All-America Selections Winner, Early, Sweet, Edible-Pod Type, Disease Resistant, Bush Plants Require Little Support. It advises harvesting when pods are 2-1/2 inches long, plump and snap like a bean. Time to get out the ruler!

Any other Zone 9 gardeners have experience with peas? I'd love to hear your stories. In mild climates like ours, I understand they can be grown during the fall and winter as well as spring.

3 comments:

Kelly said...

Peas are super-fun to grow - and oh, so delicious! Makes me wish I'd planted some this year!

CoastalCAGardener said...

Well deserved. Hope you have tons more to enjoy.

Christine said...

Kelly, I'd like to know more about your experience with peas: What types and when have you successfully grown them? Apparently we in milder climates can grow them fall and winter as well as spring.

CC, Thank you!