Peas

[aquilegia]

When should I start sowing my seeds? Should I sow them in succession or all at once?

Somehow, I've managed to acquire six different varieties without buying a single one! (all seed swaps or from the Heritage Seed Library) So none of them comes with instructions. They are:

Oregon Giant
Sugar Lord
Sugar Ann
Purple podded
Latvian
Chick pea Sultano

Are they hardy? If I sow them in pots (ground not dug until early spring), should I have them inside, outside or in mini greenhouse?

[aquilegia]

[piglit]

Hi Aqui,

I think i swapped the sugar ann and sugar lord - sorry for not providing instructions, I tend to think the rest of the world knows everything about plants. Anyway, here are the structions for Oregon:

Sowing Instructions: Sow from early March once the soil has started to warm up and is easily worked. Sowings can be made every 10 days or so until June for succession. Peas prefer a deep rich, well manured soil. Make flat bottomed drills 5cm (2 inches) deep, 15-20cm (6-8 inches) wide, place 2 rows of seeds 5-8cm (2-3 inches) apart both ways and replace the soil. Allow 90cm (36 inches) between each drill.

Growing Instructions: Keep the rows weeded and once the plants are 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) tall twiggy sticks for support can be provided although this is not essential. Watering when the plants are in flower will improve cropping.

Aftercare Instructions: Start picking the pods just as the peas inside start to form, early and regular picking will also improve the cropping and flavour of the peas.

AND for Sugar Ann:

Sowing Instructions: Sow early April - end June. Best sown in flat drills 15-23cm (6-9in) wide and about 25mm (1in) deep. Space the seeds about 4-5cm (1½ to 2in) apart. Allow 70cm (28in) between each drill.

Growing Instructions: Protect from birds and pea moth attack when flowering using fine netting. Grow in weed free soil as peas are not easy to weed when growing. Support with twiggy sticks, wire or netting. Water thoroughly, especially when flowers setting, for maximum yields.

Aftercare Instructions: Ideal for any fertile soil in full sun.

HTH

Piglit