Mr Bethell’s Purple Podded Pea

Sow in early spring (March-April), in 5 cm modules (or direct in the ground if soil conditions and mice allow!). Transplant 7 cm apart. when roots have filled the modules. Support with wire mesh or tall pea sticks.

In terms of sowing, peas come in two main types, smooth and wrinkled (this refers to the shape of the dried pea, so it’s quite easy to tell the difference).  Smooth types are hardier, so are better if you want to do a really early sowing.  Wrinkled tend to be sweeter, but you’ll need to wait till the weather gets a bit warmer before you sow, or they’ll probably just rot.  Peas can also vary in height, from around 18” to nearly 8ft tall!

For wrinkled types, sow them in modules in early spring with some seed compost and if there are mice around, cover them up before they germinate, as rodents love the seeds.  Harden off the young seedlings, then plant them out about 3” apart when they’re about 6” tall.

You can sow them outdoors instead if you like, but you’ll need to wait until the soil warms up, and it’s not too wet, or the seed won’t germinate and will rot.  There’s also a high risk of rodents eating them, so if you’re able too, sowing indoors is probably going to be more successful.  Either way, dig in plenty of organic matter initially, and water regularly throughout the season.  

Tall peas will need support, such as pea netting, chicken wire or canes to scramble up, and make sure it’s sturdy, as they can get quite heavy towards the middle of the season – they may even need tying in if they get a bit unruly.  For shorter varieties, but just some twiggy sticks should be fine.

For an ongoing crop throughout the season, you can sow successionally, but if you pick the pods regularly the plants will keep producing.