SHELLING PEA – CLASSIC & PRODUCTIVE SHELLING PEA

SHELLING PEA – CLASSIC & PRODUCTIVE (ORGANIC CERTIFIED)

A traditional garden pea, loved for its sweet, plump green peas. Vigorous, climbing, and generous, it's essential in any vegetable garden.

Description

Shelling peas are classic peas grown for their sweet green peas encased in firm pods. Unlike snow peas or snap peas, they are harvested at full maturity, then shelled to be enjoyed fresh, steamed, or incorporated into savory dishes. The climbing plants are vigorous and productive, also offering edible tendrils, flowers, and young pods early in the season.

With their rich flavor and abundant harvest, they are a must-have for family gardens.

Where to grow Shelling Peas

Suited for zones 3 to 9, they prefer cool conditions, full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil. They thrive in spring and fall and benefit from a trellis or sturdy support.

History & Traditional uses

Cultivated for millennia, peas were first used as dried legumes before sweet varieties became popular. In many cultures, they have long been an essential source of protein in early spring. Even today, shelling peas remain a cherished garden vegetable for their taste and ease of cultivation.

Information for the Canadian climate

• Zones 8-9: Direct sow from late winter to early spring, then again in early fall.
• Zones 5-7: Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil is workable; fall cropping possible in mild years.
• Zones 3-4: Sow as soon as the soil can be worked; mulch if cold weather returns.

How to grow and harvest Shelling Peas

• Sowing: 2.5 cm deep; 5 cm spacing; rows 20–30 cm apart.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; water deeply during flowering and pod formation.
• Harvesting: Pick when pods are plump but still green; shell immediately for optimal flavor.
• Care: Provide a trellis or net; mulch to retain moisture and limit weeds.

Tips for storing your seeds

• Allow a few pods to fully mature and dry on the plant.
• Harvest dried pods and shell the peas.
• Allow to air dry for several days.
• Store in an airtight container; viability 3 to 5 years.

Organic certification

Organic certified by: Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)