Mr. Big

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet, garden-fresh peas burst with a vivid, candy-like snap—Mr.

Big delivers generous, shelling-sized kernels that hold their bright flavor from pod to bowl. Expect tender, medium-deep green peas with a smooth, plump texture that stays satisfying even after brief cooking, making them a standout for classic shelling and hearty seasonal favorites. Grow Mr. Big for the pleasure of filling your harvest with consistently large peas at about 60 days, ideal for gardeners who want big results from a compact, productive planting.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Clumping

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	Clumping
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Mr. Big shelling peas are built for speed—hit them with brief heat and they keep that plump, snap-tender bite instead of turning grainy. Their big, sweet kernels make butter, lemon, and mint feel instantly garden-fresh.

Best Uses

quick-braised or steamed pods-to-bowl peas (30–60 seconds on the heat)
shelling for butter-slick skillet peas with black pepper
folding into pasta with lemon zest and a loose pan sauce
lightly simmered in a spring soup where kernels should stay intact

Flavor Profile

candy-sweet pea flavor vivid snap-forward texture smooth, plump kernel mouthfeel

Kitchen Pairings

unsalted butter lemon zest mint parmesan garlic black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Pisum sativum (peas), and how do I address it?

For garden peas, powdery mildew and pea aphids are the most common issues. Spray aphids off with a strong jet of water and, if needed, use insecticidal soap, aiming at the undersides of leaves; for powdery mildew, improve airflow by keeping plants spaced and avoid watering the foliage—water the soil at the base instead.

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

Keep soil evenly moist from when seedlings establish through pod fill, which is the period your plants will grow most actively. Water about 1–1.5 inches per week in total (more during hot, windy weather), and irrigate when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry so pods don’t stall.

How can I tell when Pisum sativum ‘Mr. Big’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are full but still tender—typically around 60 days from sowing, with pods reaching usable size a bit earlier depending on temperature. If you open a pod and the peas inside are plump and bright green (not hard and starchy), pick promptly; frequent harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing.