Common Name: Snap Pea
Indian Names: Mattar (Hindi), Avarekalu (Kannada)
Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
Varieties: Actually the common pea that is grown for as a domestic crop is Pisum sativum, which is known as the snap pea. In this division, the common varieties are Alaska, Tom Thumb, Sabre, Mr. Big, etc.
Peas, which rose to fame thanks to Gregor Mendel, whose experiments in genetics started off with the humble snap pea, and the childhood fable classic, ‘The Princess and the Pea’, are also consumed worldwide in a variety of dishes and can appeal to both sweet and savory lovers. The plant is a cool season plant, which give poor yield if planted in the hot summer months. It has a relatively quick harvest, and can be eaten raw or cooked, delectable either way. Let’s take a look at some of its main features.
NOTE: You can buy pea seeds online from the GreenMyLife online store – high germination rates on all our seeds, and delivery anywhere in India
Plant Features
Life-Cycle: Annual
Height: 1.2-2.4m (4-8ft)
Width: 15-30cm
Flowering season: Mid-spring to mid-summer (Anywhere from April to June)
Flowers: Violet and white flowers
Foliage: Vine-like foliage which has very fine leaves
Planting/Growing Details
Sunlight: Full sun, 6-8 hours of direct exposure to sunlight
Water: Regular watering intervals, keep the soil watered and well-drained for the plant to grow
Sowing Season: Sow the seeds either in the spring (March-April) in cool climates, and in the fall (August-September) for warm climates.
Sowing Method: Plant the seeds 2.5-5cm (1-2in) deep, and 5-10cm (2-4in) apart in rows about 45 cm (1.5ft) apart. If your soil is wet, then it is best to plant your seeds shallow. For dry soil, plant them a little deeper.
Care: As peas have fragile roots, transplanting is quite dangerous for the crop. So start your crops outdoors. Keep some kind of trelling, or fence support for the plant, as the vine climbings can get quite tall. Make sure not to use any fertilizer high in nitrogen content, as this will promote lush foliage, but the crop yield will be poor. Mulch the soil, and keep your garden weed free.
Pests: The main pests which affect peas are our favourite aphids and maggots. The maggots can be prevented with regular inspection and making sure to catch the infestation in the egg stage. You can get rid of those pesky aphids, with hard streams of water to the stems and leaves.
Harvest: It usually takes about two months for peas to be ready for harvest. When the pods start to appear swollen due the peas inside, then you can start to pick them. Peas that have survived a frost are generally sweeter, and provide a better yield.
Propagation: Peas are propagated mainly by seeds.
As we can see, peas are a relatively easy crop to grow, as they can be harvested quickly, and do not require intensive amounts of nutrients. Also, they provide quite a good yield and are a staple in Indian cuisines. So enjoy your own crop of peas in two months and start planting them today!
NOTE: You can buy pea seeds online from the GreenMyLife online store – high germination rates on all our seeds, and delivery anywhere in India
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