Progress No. 9

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet, bright peas come into focus with a crisp snap and a clean, garden-fresh sweetness at shelling time—Progress No.

9 is prized for its dependable, even pods and satisfying bite. The kernels hold their shape beautifully, offering tender texture that shines in hearty, comforting preparations where true pea flavor matters most. Grow this cool-season favorite for a reliable harvest window and a pantry-ready supply of plump, flavorful shells.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Progress No. 9

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

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Progress No. 9 is a shelling pea built for the moment you bite: the kernels stay structured, so they don’t go chalky or collapse in heat. It’s at its best when treated briefly—butter, salt, and a hit of acid make the sweetness read loud and clean.

Best Uses

quick-sauté with butter and a splash of pasta water
shell-and-simmer in soup for spoonable, intact kernels
toss into warm grain salads where they keep their shape
fold into risotto or chowder near the end to avoid mush

Flavor Profile

sweet, bright pea flavor crisp snap with tender, juicy kernels clean, lightly starchy finish

Kitchen Pairings

unsalted butter lemon zest parmesan ham or prosciutto shallot black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Pisum sativum (garden peas) and how can I manage them?

Watch for pea aphids and downy mildew. Control aphids by blasting plants with a firm stream of water, then releasing ladybugs or using insecticidal soap if needed; for downy mildew, remove badly infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry. Keep plants spaced for airflow and don’t plant peas in the same spot year after year to reduce recurring disease pressure.

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

During flowering and pod fill (roughly after plants establish and into the last third before harvest), keep soil consistently evenly moist, about 1 inch of water per week total (more if days are hot and windy). Water at the base early in the day, and don’t let the soil swing from very dry to soaked—pea plants can abort flowers and small pods when moisture is inconsistent.

How do I know when Pisum sativum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are fully filled but still tender, usually about 60 days from sowing depending on conditions. Pick peas every 1–2 days during peak harvest; if pods look flat or peas are bulging late, they’re past prime sweetness and can turn starchy. For the best flavor, shell and eat the peas the same day they’re picked.