Pisum sativum — Fabaceae
Growing Conditions
Sun: full
Water: low
Soil: loamy
Irrigation: drip
pH: 6–7
Frost hardy: Yes
Dimensions
Height: 50–60cm
Spacing (plants): 5cm
Spacing (rows): 30cm
Characteristics
Attracts pollinators: No
Suitable for containers: Yes
Edible flowers: Yes
Companions: carrot, corn, cucumber, radish, turnip, beans, chives, mint, lettuce, spinach
Pests & Diseases
Pests: aphids
Diseases: fusarium, powdery mildew, damping off, root rot
Cool-season crop, sensitive to heat above 30°C. Ideal growing temperature 15-18°C. Fixes nitrogen in the soil. Trailing variety needs support. Pods become sweeter over time — harvest regularly before they lose tenderness. Germination temperature 13-18°C, germination days 5-15. Edible shoots and flowers.
Fertilisation#
Does not need nitrogen fertilisation — fixes its own. Avoid excess nitrogen as it reduces pod production. Incorporate compost or aged manure before planting.
Irrigation#
Water sparingly, about 1 inch per week unless wilting. Critical period is during pod set and development. Water at soil level to reduce disease risk, keep foliage dry.
Weed control#
Mulch with 2-3cm of organic material to keep roots cool, retain moisture and suppress weeds. Hand weed carefully to avoid disturbing shallow roots.
Staking#
Varieties under 60cm can manage without support but benefit from it. Use trellis net or chicken wire to keep vines upright and off the ground.
Pest control#
Aphids: moderate nitrogen fertilisation, encourage natural predators with hedgerow plants.
Disease control#
Fusarium and root rot: ensure well-drained soil, rotate crops away from legumes for at least 3 years. Powdery mildew: choose resistant varieties, ensure good airflow. Damping off: avoid cold wet soil at sowing, use pretreated seeds if needed.
Harvest#
Harvest every 1-3 days for peak quality. Pods on lower part of plant mature first. Harvest before pods toughen or seeds become individually visible through the pod skin.
Notes#
Do not plant where other legumes grew in the previous 2 years. Inoculate seeds with legume-specific inoculant if planting in a bed with no previous legume history, to improve nitrogen fixation.