Spring

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet, garden-fresh peas burst with a bright, spring-green flavor and a tender, snap-worthy bite that feels almost luminous in the pod.

“Spring” is a shelling pea bred for dependable, home-garden yield—pods fill out cleanly and hold their sweetness through cool-season growing. Grow it for generous bowls of shelled peas to showcase their delicate texture in simple, vibrant preparations and classic seasonal favorites.

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	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

“Spring” shelling peas are at their best when treated like green candy—blanch fast, then stop the cooking so the pods’ sweet, starchy creaminess stays intact instead of turning starchy. Their snap and delicate grassiness love butter and lemon, and they hold their own through short sautéing and fast-fold cooking.

Best Uses

quick-blanched shelled peas with butter and flaky salt
sautéing just to heat through for a glossy, not-mushy texture
folding into spring risotto or pasta for a gentle, sweet base
chilled pea salad with lemony dressing to keep them crisp

Flavor Profile

sweet, bright sugar-pea flavor tender snap with a creamy, starchy pop clean, lightly grassy finish

Kitchen Pairings

unsalted butter lemon fresh mint parmesan shallot prosciutto

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Pisum sativum (garden pea) and how can I manage it?

Watch for powdery mildew and pea aphids; they’re common on pea foliage, especially when plants are crowded. For mildew, improve airflow by spacing plants and removing badly infected leaves, then spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate as labeled. For aphids, knock them off with a strong water jet and apply insecticidal soap if numbers are increasing—avoid heavy nitrogen feeds that make aphids more successful.

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

During flowering and pod fill, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water at the base in the morning so foliage dries quickly, and use a finger test: the top 1 inch (2–2.5 cm) should stay moist as pods develop. In dry spells, reduce stress by watering deeply 2–3 times per week rather than small, frequent splashes.

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

Harvest most pea pods when they are fully formed but still tender: the peas inside should be plump and the pods should snap easily, usually about 60 days from sowing depending on conditions. Pick every 1–2 days once plants start producing, because leaving mature pods on the plant slows new pod formation. If pods look dull and the peas bulge hard, they’re past peak sweetness for fresh eating.