Pea

Shelling peas: What are the most common varieties of shelling peas?

Gardeners like to grow peas for a variety of reasons. Often, among the first crops planted in the garden in the spring, peas have a wide range of uses. For the beginning grower, the terminology can be a little confusing. Fortunately, it’s as easy to get to know the different kinds of peas as it is to plant them in the garden.

Pea Husking Information – What is Pea Husking?

The term «shelling peas» refers to pea varieties that require the peas to be removed from the pod or hull before use. Although shelling peas are one of the most popular types of peas, they are often referred to by many other names.

These common names include English peas, garden peas and even sweet peas. The name sweet pea is particularly problematic because the true sweet pea ( Lathyrus odoratus ) is a poisonous ornamental flower and is not edible.

Planting shelling peas

Like snow peas or snow peas, many types of shelling peas are extremely easy to grow. In many places, shelling peas can be planted directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. In general, this is probably 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. It is especially important to plant early in areas where spring is short before the summer gets warm, as peas prefer cool growing weather.

Choose a well-drained area that receives full sunlight. Since germination occurs best when the soil temperature is relatively cool (45 F.7 C.), early planting will ensure the best chance of success. Once germination has occurred, plants generally require little care. Because of their cold tolerance, growers will generally not have to worry if frost or snow is expected at the end of the season.

As the days lengthen and a warmer spring weather arrives, the peas grow more vigorously and begin to flower. Since most varieties of shelling peas are vine plants, these peas will require plant support or stakes or a small trellis system.