Peas have been a staple in gardens for centuries. These cool-weather vegetables are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. It’s a tasty way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, and they can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or canned.
There are many different types of peas to choose from, and each has its own unique flavor and texture. Along with their differences in flavor, growing peas can be a bit different too. Some varieties need support to grow, while others can sprawl across the ground. Here are some of the best types of peas.
Types of Peas
If you’re interested in growing peas in your garden, here are a few different types to choose from.
English Peas
English peas, also called garden peas, are the most common type of pea. They have a sweet flavor and firm texture. These small, round peas are a classic garden staple, and they are perfect for canning or freezing.
English peas are best direct-seeded into the garden in early spring. They require 60-70 days to mature, so be sure to start them early enough in the season. Peas love cool weather and will quickly bolt to seed if the temperatures get too high.
When planting English peas, be sure to space the seeds 2-3 inches apart. Once they have germinated, thin the plants to 6 inches apart. English peas are also a good choice for container gardening. They will need support to grow, so be sure to provide a trellis or other structure for them to climb.
Some of the most popular English peas varieties you can grow in your garden are:
Penelope Peas
Penelope peas are a popular choice for both home gardeners and professional growers. The plants are vigorous and produce an abundance of pods, each containing 10-12 small sweet peas.
The peas are a beautiful green color, with a delicate flavor that is often compared to that of sugar snap peas. Penelope peas are also known for their high levels of vitamins A and C, as well as being a good source of fiber.
Penelope peas are best direct-seeded into the garden in early spring.
Lincoln Peas
There’s something special about Lincoln peas. They’re not just any garden variety pea, but a true heirloom variety. These peas have been passed down for generations, and each plant is unique.
The pods are plump and full, with an even row of peas inside. And when you bite into a Lincoln pea, the flavor is unlike any other. Sweet and nutty, with just a hint of earthiness.
Moreover, these plants can produce up to 9 peas per pod that are relatively easy to remove once cooked. It’s a common choice for gardeners because it’s relatively resistant to disease and pests too.
Miragreen Peas
In the early days of spring, when the sun is just starting to warm the earth, and the first green shoots are beginning to emerge, that’s when you plant your Miragreen peas.
You start with a small hill, about two handfuls of seeds, and cover them with a light layer of soil. Once they germinate and emerge, you’ll have a sea of green pea plants about 18 inches tall.
The peas themselves are small and round, with a delicate flavor that is perfect for eating fresh or freezing for later.
During its growing years, miragreen peas need their soil moist but not waterlogged. These delicate and sweet peas will produce an abundance of pods, each containing about 12 peas.
Snow Peas
These flat, edible-pod peas are a favorite among gardeners and cooks alike. The plants are easy to grow and produce an abundant harvest of sweet, crisp peas. They’re also called Chinese pea pods and are often eaten as a whole rather than just peas.
Unlike garden peas, this type tastes less sweet and has a more vegetal flavor.
Most snow peas grow tall, so they’ll need some type of support to climb. When direct-seeding, plant the seeds about an inch apart and thin to six inches once they have germinated.
You can start harvesting snow peas when the pods are about three inches long. The entire pod is edible, so just snap them off the plant to enjoy its sweet flavor.
Some of the most popular snow pea varieties you can grow in your garden are:
Avalanche Peas
The Avalanche pea is a unique variety of pea that is prized for its large size and sweet flavor. These peas can grow up to 6 inches long, and their vines can reach up to 30 inches in length. Avalanche peas are typically planted close together, as this helps to support the heavy vines.
When harvesting, the peas should be picked when they are young and tender. Once cooked, these peas can be used as a side dish or added to various recipes. They also make an attractive garnish for salads and other dishes.
Royal Snow Peas
The Royal snow pea is a classic variety of snow pea that has been around for centuries. Its dark purple flowers and white pods are a beautiful addition to any garden. These peas are small but have a sweet flavor that is perfect for eating fresh or adding to vegetable and salad recipes.
One of the most important things to remember when growing royal snow peas is that they should be harvested when they’re smaller. If left on the vine too long, they will become tough and lose their sweetness.
Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. These plump little peas are bursting with sweetness, and their crisp texture is a perfect addition to salads or stir-fries. Best of all, sugar snap peas are easy to grow, even for beginning gardeners.
Sugar snap peas prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. They can be planted directly in the ground or started indoors in pots. If you start them indoors, be sure to transplant the seedlings when they are several inches tall. When planting sugar snap peas, be sure to space the seeds about two inches apart.
Water your sugar snap peas regularly, especially during dry periods. If the leaves begin to wilt, that is a sign that the plants are thirsty. Peas also benefit from a small amount of fertilizer every few weeks. When the plants are about four inches tall, you can start harvesting sugar snap peas by picking them by hand. Continue to pick regularly, encouraging the plants to produce even more peas.
Some of the most popular sugar snap pea varieties are:
Royal Snap Peas
Named for their royal purple color, these sugar snap peas are a beautiful addition to any garden. These peas have vines that can grow up to two feet long, ensuring that you provide them with plenty of support.
As with all sugar snap peas, these should be harvested when they are young and tender. The peas can be eaten fresh or added to a variety of recipes.
Sugar Ann Snap Peas
Its sweet flavor and compact size make the Sugar Ann sugar snap pea a favorite among gardeners. These peas are perfect for small gardens or containers, as they don’t require much space to grow.
Sugar Ann peas can be harvested when they are about two inches long. The entire pod is edible, so just snap them off the plant and enjoy their sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Peas have always been a popular choice for gardens, as they are easy to grow and produce a large yield.
With so many different varieties to choose from, there is sure to be a perfect pea variety for your garden. Whether you are looking for a sweet snack or an addition to your favorite recipes, peas are a versatile and delicious option.