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Pea

Pisum sativum

VegetablesFrost Hardy

Nitrogen-fixing legume that enriches the soil. Provide support for climbing varieties and pick regularly to prolong the harvest.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterMediumCalculate watering amount
Height50–180 cm
Spread15 cm
Spacing5 cm
Row Spacing50 cm
Germination7–14 days
To Harvest55–70 days

Companion Planting

Bad Companions

OnionGarlicLeekChives

Toxicity

SeverityNon-toxic

Garden pea (Pisum sativum) is non-toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA. Do not confuse with ornamental sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), which is toxic.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun to light shade; provide trellis or support for climbing varieties
SoilWell-drained soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0-6.8
Sowing Depth3 cm
Planting Depth3 cm
WateringAbout 2.5 cm (1 inch) per week. Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Critical during flowering and pod set.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingLight feeder. Peas fix their own nitrogen via root nodules, so avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which cause excess foliage at the expense of pods.

Care Tip: Sow early in spring as peas prefer cool weather. Mulch around plants to keep roots cool and retain moisture.

Common Pests

Pea Aphid

Symptoms: Clusters of green insects on stems and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew; curled or yellowed leaves; can transmit mosaic virus

Treatment: Blast with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations

Prevention: Encourage beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings); avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization; use reflective mulch to deter aphids

Pea Weevil

Symptoms: Scalloped notches on leaf margins from adult feeding; larvae bore into seeds leaving round exit holes in dried peas

Treatment: Hand-pick adults; remove and destroy infested plant debris immediately after harvest

Prevention: Plant early to avoid peak weevil activity; use certified clean seed; cultivate soil after harvest to expose overwintering larvae

Pea Moth

Symptoms: Small caterpillars inside pods feeding on developing peas; frass (droppings) visible inside pods; damaged and inedible seeds

Treatment: Remove and destroy infested pods; no effective chemical treatment once larvae are inside pods

Prevention: Use fine mesh netting over plants during flowering (June-July); sow early or late-maturing varieties to avoid peak moth flight; practice crop rotation

Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems; yellowing foliage; reduced pod production

Treatment: Spray with baking soda solution (1 tbsp per 4 liters water with a drop of liquid soap); apply sulfur-based fungicides

Prevention: Plant resistant varieties; ensure good air circulation with adequate spacing; avoid overhead watering; plant early to mature before hot weather

Fusarium Wilt

Symptoms: Lower leaves yellow and wilt first, progressing upward; stunted growth; brown discoloration of internal stem tissue

Treatment: No cure once established; remove and destroy infected plants immediately

Prevention: Plant wilt-resistant varieties; rotate crops on a 4+ year cycle; improve soil drainage; use clean seed

Root Rot (Aphanomyces)

Symptoms: Stunted plants; lower leaves yellow dramatically; grey to black lesions on roots and lower stems; roots may be completely decayed

Treatment: Apply nitrogen to encourage faster root growth that can outpace the disease; remove severely affected plants

Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage; rotate pea crops at least every 3-4 years; avoid waterlogging; do not plant peas in cold, wet soil