Pea Growing Guide
Pisum sativum
Peas have been cultivated for thousands of years. They have been
important in the development of genetics, the experiments by Gregor
Mendel created Mendelian genetics which is seen as the foundation of
modern genetics. They are high in vitamin C, folate and vitamin B6.
UK Market
Peas can be used in the fresh market and for processing (freezing or
canning).
Soil Types
Peas grow on a wide range of soils but the best soil types are the deep loams and sandy soils,
heavy clay soils are not suitable. They need slightly acidic soils, so if the pH is below 5.8 liming
can be used to increase the soil pH. Soil compaction and water logging will cause problems as
the pea roots are sensitive to damage.
Growing
The earliest crop is normally
sown in November to February
for cropping from early May,
and the maincrop can be sown
from February this normally
starts producing a crop from June.
The early crop can be drilled 1.4 inches apart in 18 inch rows needing 250,000 seeds per acre
(618,000 seeds per hectare) with the maincrop sown 1.2 inches apart in 18 inch rows, requiring
300,000 seeds per acre (741,000 seeds per hectare).
Hand harvesting is a labour intensive crop however the harvest will produce pea pods not shelled
peas. Certain varieties can have more than one picking throughout the season; however there
is usually a single destructive harvest where all the pods are picked.
Post-harvest Treatment
The peas need to be cooled as soon as possible after harvest to remove the field heat, to
maintain the quality.
Fertiliser usage
th
Source: The Fertiliser Manual (RB209), 8 edition (2011).
Nutrient
Nitrogen(N) – all soil types
Phosphate (P2O5)
Potash (K2O)
Magnesium MgO
0
1
0
185
190
0
135
140
Soil index
2
kg/ha
0
85
90 (2-) 40M (2+)
3
4+
0
35
0
0
0
0
100
50
0
0
0
Peas may suffer from sulphur deficiency on sensitive soil types (sandy, shallow or medium textured soils that are
high in organic matter are most susceptible). Where deficiency is possible, apply 25 kg/ha SO3.
Pea Growing Guide
Pisum sativum
Varieties available from Elsoms
Pea
Alicia
Alicia is an early variety which has given very encouraging results from our earliest trial
sowings. Good yields of well filled pods.
Alexandra
Alexandra is a high yielding maincrop with strong healthy foliage with large pods which
are easy to pick. Our trials have shown Alexandra to be a very interesting introduction for
the fresh market.
Variety
Avola
Premium
Maturity
(Avola +
days)
0
0
Plant
height
(cm)
60
65
No. nodes
to first
flower
9
9
Peas
per
pod
7
8
Pod
length
(cm)
8
8
Pods per
fertile
node
1–2
1–2
7
40
9
8
9.1
1–2
Alicia
Onward
10
50
13
7.5
10
2
Alexandra
11
35
14–15
9
10.5
2
Ambassador
13
75
14
7.5
6
3
Comments
Standard first early variety
Avola maturity. Very good yields with pods
held in doubles
Bred by Blondeau, a second early variety
with good yields of well filled pods.
Resistant to powdery mildew.
A traditional high yielding maincrop variety
with large well filled pods.
Bred by Blondeau, a high yielding maincrop
that produces strong healthy plants with
large easy to pick pods. Resistant to
powdery and downy mildew.
Standard maincrop which is resistant to
powdery mildew
Mange tout pea
Kennedy
A flat-podded variety which has had widespread success. From our own breeding
programme, Kennedy produces high yields of sweet tasting broad flat pods. The pods
have a good shelf life and so are ideal for transporting. Kennedy is resistant to powdery
mildew.
NEW Shiraz
Bred by Elsoms, Shiraz is a purple podded snow pea
type. Shiraz produces beautiful flat, purple pods with
very slow seed development.
Delikett
A snap pea from Holland Select, Delikett pods are 1314mm wide and 8-9cms long. Pods are carried in pairs.
Seed treatments
Shiraz
Wakil XL
Highly effective for the control of damping off diseases and downy mildew.
Further information
For further information on the different varieties, seed treatments, pests and disease please
contact your regional vegetable seed specialist or see the Elsoms Seeds catalogue.
Links
Elsoms Seeds website and catalogue:
http://www.elsoms.com/
The Fertiliser Manual (RB209)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/rb209-fertiliser-manual-110412.pdf
Assured Produce: the growing partnership (contains crop specific protocols):
http://www.assuredproduce.co.uk
The information provided in this sheet is intended for general guidance only and is correct to the best of our knowledge. Please
be aware that variations in the growing environment and climatic conditions can render this information inaccurate. For more
specific advice about fertiliser use please contact a FACTS certified advisor.
KCW/OCT12