Purple Podded Shelling

Pea

Zone 9b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Purple Podded Shelling

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Sweetly perfumed and vividly colored, Purple Podded Shelling brings a rich, grape-deep pod that ripens to reveal tender peas with…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	Apr 10th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

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)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Jaune Obtuse Du Doubs Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Pisum sativum (purple podded shelling peas), and how can I control it?

Pea aphids often show up on young Pisum sativum growth, causing curled leaves and stunted pods. Spray plants with a strong stream of water to knock aphids off, then use insecticidal soap (especially on the undersides) and remove heavily infested tips early. For disease, keep leaves dry and improve airflow because powdery mildew can spread quickly in dense, humid plantings.

How often should I water purple podded shelling peas during the main growing phase?

During pod formation and until harvest, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply at the base early in the day so moisture reaches the root zone, and avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings because peas are sensitive to drought stress during flowering.

How do I know when Pisum sativum purple pods are ready to harvest for shelling?

Harvest when pods are fully filled with peas but before they turn starchy and dull—typically around 60 days from sowing. Pods should feel firm, peas should be plump and visible through the pod, and plants often yield best with frequent picking every 1–2 days to keep new pods coming.

Sweetly perfumed and vividly colored, Purple Podded Shelling brings a rich, grape-deep pod that ripens to reveal tender peas with a clean, sweet snap. The peas develop a fine, evenly sized texture that shines in shelling—ideal for spooning into hearty, warming dishes, and for vibrant purees and silky sauces. Grow it for the garden-to-pan satisfaction of a classic shelling pea with an unmistakable purple wardrobe at maturity.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Sow as soon as soil is workable in spring (and again for a fall crop where summers aren’t too hot), because peas don’t like transplanting.