Pea Desiree

Pea Desiree: variety and characteristics

Pea Desiree (Pisum sativum L.) is an annual vegetable of the Legume family (Fabaceae). This is a great variety from the Netherlands with stunning violet-blue pods.

Reaches a height of up to about 1 m. 60 days are needed to full maturity.

Peas contain vitamins: vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B11, C, E and K. and minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc.

Peas also contain the amino acid tryptophan, fibre and few calories. They can be boiled, steamed, blanched and frozen.

Briefly boiled peas can also be added to salads and raw vegetables.

Garden peas are among the first crops sown in spring — they tolerate cold snaps and give sweet peas as early as the end of May. Sugar (snow) varieties are eaten whole, pod and all.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 88%
• Seeds per packet: 34–46 pcs (10 g)
• Seed origin: Netherlands
• Sowing: March and April; direct
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Pea Desiree

Pea Desiree seeds are sown in March and April. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Pea Desiree

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 3–5 cm
• Spacing: 5 cm in the row, 40–60 cm between rows
• Germination: 7–14 days at 10–18 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Soak the seeds for 24 hours in a bowl of water, which gives them a head start in germination. They absorb a lot of water. After 3-4 days the seeds will have developed roots of about 1 cm. Sow indoors from February in individual pots, 1 seed per pot. Keep the seeds well moist and provide an even temperature during germination. Especially at night, do not let the temperature drop. Move the seedlings outdoors from the beginning of March. Some varieties need support once they reach 10 - 15 cm. tall. Make sure, especially with tall types, that they are well secured. Outdoor sowing can be done from March. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 - 4 cm. Leave enough space between the rows. The spacing should be 60 cm. for short types and 120 cm. for tall types. Keep the soil moist and free of weeds. Pick the pea pods regularly to encourage continuous cropping.

Sow directly as soon as the soil can be worked (February–April). Tall varieties need netting or sticks; water at flowering time.

Harvest and use

Pick shelling peas when the pods are full but still green; sugar peas — when the pod is flat and crisp.

Frequently asked questions

When should Pea Desiree be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 34–46 seeds, pack size 10 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 88%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

When are peas sown?

Early in spring — from mid-February to April, as soon as the soil can be worked. Tolerates frosts down to −5 °C.

Do peas need support?

Varieties taller than 60 cm need netting or twigs; short ones support each other if sown in double rows.