Organic Early Dwarf Pea Proval

Pisum sativum 'Proval' is a dwarf variety (60cm (24in)) with round peas. It develops slightly curved, pointed pods that contain 7 to 8 large peas. This hardy and early variety provides excellent yields from April to July. 

The pea is an annual vegetable plant that has a very ancient origin in the Near East. It is one of the oldest vegetables cultivated in Europe and Asia and was long consumed dry, crushed before cooking. Its fresh consumption is rather recent, and its nutritional and gustatory qualities make it an excellent spring vegetable.

There are many varieties. They are either dwarf or climbing (pole) peas, that produce pods containing round, wrinkled, or smooth peas. Either the pod must be shelled, or it can be consumed whole.

For shelling peas, the pod is not suitable for consumption as it is parchment-like. It must therefore be shelled. Shelling peas include many different varieties: wrinkled peas, which are sweeter and more heat-tolerant, and smooth or round peas, which are more suitable for early cultivation as they are hardier and less sensitive to humidity. In the vegetable garden, smooth peas are sown first, and wrinkled peas are sown later.

The "mangetout" or "gourmand" pea bears non-parchment-like pods that are edible in their entirety. They are harvested before the complete formation of the peas. Later, it can be shelled to be consumed like a fresh pea.

Crunchy peas can also be found, which are sweeter. The peas are consumed with their pods.

Peas like mild and humid climates. They fear extremes: heat, frost, lack and excess of water.

Harvest

Depending on the earliness of the varieties, peas are harvested between two and a half and four months after sowing.

Pick shelling peas when the pods are full but still green. This is usually about twice a week.

Storage

Fresh peas can be stored, unshelled, for 48 hours in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator.

Round peas have a finer flavour. They are more suitable for canning or freezing.

The gardener's tip

Like all plants in the Fabaceae family, peas enrich the soil with nitrogen. They are part of a four-year rotation. Peas are low-nutrient-demanding plants. Peas also work very well with carrots, celery, cabbage, turnips, potatoes, and radishes as they mutually protect each other. Avoid the presence of alliums or fennels as their growth inhibits each other.