Knight

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet and vividly green at peak shelling maturity, Knight peas burst with a tender, juicy snap and a finely textured bite that feels almost velvet on the palate.

Plants produce an abundant crop of well-filled pods, making it easy to gather a generous harvest for classic shelling—ideal for showcasing their bright flavor in simple, ingredient-forward preparations. Grow Knight for that “just-right” sweetness when the peas are at their most saturated green and delightfully crisp.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Knight shelling peas hit their peak with a saturated-sweet, juicy snap—overcook them and they go soft fast. Use short heat and finish with acid (lemon) so the green stays bright and the texture stays elegantly tight.

Best Uses

quick sauté with butter and a pinch of salt to preserve the snap
blanch-and-chill pea salad where each pea holds a crisp bite
fold into risotto at the end for glossy, toothsome texture
fold through pasta with lemon zest and black pepper for a fresh, bright mouthfeel

Flavor Profile

vividly sweet pea flavor tender, juicy snap finely textured, lightly starchy bite bright, clean green finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter lemon parmesan mint black pepper garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue commonly affects Pisum sativum (garden peas/‘Knight’), and how do I treat it?

A common problem is powdery mildew, which shows as a white dusty coating on pea leaves and stems in cool, humid weather. Remove the most heavily affected leaves and improve airflow by keeping plants spaced and avoiding overhead watering; if needed, use a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide and repeat as directed. Watch for pea aphids early—spray plants with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap when aphids first appear.

How often should I water Pisum sativum during the main growing phase?

During flowering and pod fill, water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for evenly moist soil 1–2 inches down without waterlogging. If the top inch of soil dries out between waterings or pods shrivel, increase to more frequent deep watering. Water at the soil line in the morning to keep pea foliage drier and reduce mildew risk.

How can I tell when Pisum sativum is ready to harvest?

Harvest pods when they are full but still tender—typically about 60 days from sowing—around the time the peas inside are just filling the pod and the pod is bright green. Gently open a pod: if the peas are glossy and reach varietal size, pick them; if peas look dull and starchy, leave a few days and check again. Pick every 1–2 days once pods start producing to keep plants from slowing down or turning tough.