Peas
70-80days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Requires strong trellis or support system due to height and heavy pod production.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture throughout growing season
Soil
Deep, rich, well-drained soil with high organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
3-4 inches
Height
12-18 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Medium green pods with large green peas
Size
4.5-5 inch pods with 8-10 large peas per pod
Shape
Long, straight, well-filled pods with large, plump peas
Flavour
Rich, sweet, and meaty with excellent fresh pea flavor

In the kitchen

Premium fresh eating, excellent for freezing, soups, and gourmet cooking applications.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, pea moths, thrips, birds (attracted to sweet peas)
Diseases
Powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, root rot, pea enation mosaic virus
Resistance
Good vigor but limited disease resistance. May be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyAugust – September
2——May – JulyAugust – September
3——May – JuneJuly – October
4——April – JuneJuly – October
5——April – MayJune – November
6——April – MayJune – November
7——March – MayJune – November
8——March – AprilMay – December
9——February – MarchApril – December
10——January – MarchApril – December
11——January – FebruaryMarch – December
12——January – FebruaryMarch – December
13——January – FebruaryMarch – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

CarrotsPeas improve soil nitrogen which carrots need, carrots don't compete for space
RadishesBreak up soil for pea roots, mature quickly before peas need full space
LettuceBenefits from nitrogen fixed by peas, provides ground cover to retain moisture
SpinachThrives in nitrogen-rich soil created by peas, cool-season compatibility
CucumbersBenefit from nitrogen fixed by peas, can use pea trellises after harvest
CornPeas provide nitrogen that corn needs, corn provides natural trellis support
MarigoldsRepel aphids and other pests that commonly attack peas
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids, repel cucumber beetles and squash bugs

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit pea growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
GarlicAllelopathic compounds can stunt pea growth and reduce yields
GladiolusCompetes heavily for nutrients and can harbor thrips that damage pea plants

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
81
Protein (g)
5.42
Fat (g)
0.4
Carbohydrate (g)
14.4
Fibre (g)
5.7
Sugars (g)
5.67
Vitamin A (µg)
38
Vitamin C (mg)
40
Vitamin E (mg)
0.13
Vitamin K (µg)
24.8
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.169
Folate (µg)
65
Calcium (mg)
25
Iron (mg)
1.47
Magnesium (mg)
33
Phosphorus (mg)
108
Potassium (mg)
244
Zinc (mg)
1.24
Selenium (µg)
1.8

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the peas growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Alderman?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other peas with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Alderman suits these too.

Browse all 35 peas