25+ Organic Peas- Little Marvel- PISUM SATIVUM - Heirloom- Non GMO---A086
25+ Organic Peas- Little Marvel- PISUM SATIVUM - Heirloom- Non GMO---A086
Description:
"Little Marvel" is an heirloom variety of garden peas that produces an abundance of 3-inch pods containing six to eight peas. These plants reach heights of 20 to 30 inches and mature in 63 days. A 2- to 3-foot fence or trellis provides the support "Little Marvel" peas require. Recommended for hardiness zones 3 through 9, they can be planted in either early spring or late summer, but they suffer when the mercury rises.
The "Little Marvel" pea grows to become (Pisum sativum) a sturdy, compact plant that produces pods of delicate, tasty green peas. This heirloom plant grows well in home gardens and can handle cooler temperatures and light frosts.
Soil: Peas prefer fertile well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding 1 to 2 inches of well-rotted manure or compost over the garden and tilling it into the soil improves both aeration and drainage. Keeping the soil moist by watering deeply once or twice a week provides the moisture peas need to thrive. Peas require 1 to 2 inches of rainfall a week. Location "Little Marvel" peas require six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day but benefit from shade in the afternoon as the days warm, especially in southern climates. Planting them in raised beds allows you to plant earlier in the spring and typically solves issues with poor drainage, as raised beds drain well.
However, peas grown in raised beds or containers typically require more frequent watering than those grown in the soil. Planting Times "Little Marvel" peas can be planted in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, but they germinate best when the soil is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with optimal germination occurring at 75 degrees. Peas planted in 40-degree soil can take up to a month to germinate, while those sown in soil above 60 degrees typically germinate in a week to 2 weeks. Peas can also be planted in late summer or early fall, as long as they have time to mature. Count back 63 days from the first expected frost to determine the proper time to plant fall peas. Depth and Spacing
"Little Marvel" peas require a planting depth of 1 to 1 inches and should be spaced 2 to 4 inches apart in rows spaced 18 inches apart. Some prefer to broadcast pea seeds in a band 3 to 4 inches wide. When broadcasting seeds, aim for approximately 1 inch between seeds. They can be grown in a double row, if you place a fence or trellis between them. Firming the soil down over the seeds with the blade of the hoe secures the seeds and removes air pockets. Considerations Many gardeners prefer to soak peas overnight in tepid water to speed germination. Peas swell to double their size when they take on water. Place them in a bowl or bucket that will hold them when they expand. Fill the bowl approximately 3/4 full with water. The water level should be at least an inch or two above the top of the seeds. Days to Maturity: 65-85 Days