Lincoln (Homesteader)

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet, garden-fresh peas with a bright, sugar-snap appeal that turns tender and succulent the moment they’re shelled—Lincoln (Homesteader) delivers a steady harvest of plump, well-filled pods.

The peas are prized for their smooth, evenly textured interiors and their rich, classic pea flavor, making them especially satisfying for home shelling and preserving. Grow them for reliable, cool-season performance and a generous yield that feels truly homestead-worthy at 60 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Climbing

Botanical illustration of Lincoln (Homesteader)

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	Climbing
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lincoln (Homesteader) shelling peas are built for “the minute they hit the pot” cooking—sweet, evenly filled interiors stay tender instead of turning starchy. They love butter and lemon’s lift, and they’ll hold their shape long enough to taste unmistakably green.

Best Uses

quick-simmer side: steam or boil 1–3 minutes and finish with butter for a glossy coat
shuck-then-purée: blend into a silky pea soup or sauce that clings to pasta
fresh-and-brief: fold into warm rice or grain bowls at the last second so they stay bright
freezer-friendly preserving: blanch and pack for later use without mush

Flavor Profile

sweet, garden-fresh pea sweetness tender, succulent bite when shelled young classic green-pea snap with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter lemon mint parmesan prosciutto shallot

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Pisum sativum (peas) and what should I do if I see it?

For peas, watch for powdery mildew and downy mildew—both show up as leaf coating/spots and can spread quickly in cool, humid weather. Remove badly infected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If the problem is spreading, apply a labeled fungicide for edible peas early in the outbreak and repeat only as directed on the label.

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

During flowering and pod filling (roughly mid-season to about 60 days), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for even moisture at the root zone. Water deeply about once or twice per week, increasing frequency during dry spells so the top few inches of soil never fully dry out. Mulch lightly to steady moisture, and stop saturating the bed because soggy conditions increase mildew risk.

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

Harvest snap/green peas (Pisum sativum) when pods are fully formed but still sweet and tender—typically about 60 days from sowing for your 60-day type. Look for pods that feel plump with peas you can see through the pod, and pick when the pods are crisp and bright green. For best flavor, harvest every 1–2 days while plants are producing; leaving mature pods on the vine slows further flowering.