Peas
60-65days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost. Plant 1.5 inches deep. No support needed due to dwarf, bushy growth habit.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week during pod development
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile garden soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 inches
Height
12-18 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green pods with bright green peas
Size
4-5 inch pods
Shape
Large, plump pods with 8-9 large round peas
Flavour
Sweet, tender peas with excellent flavor concentration

In the kitchen

Fresh shelling, freezing, steaming, side dishes, pea soup

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, pea weevils, leafminers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, root rot, bacterial blight
Resistance
Good resistance to fusarium wilt and common pea mosaic virus

Planting calendar by USDA zone

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

Companion planting

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

CarrotsPeas add nitrogen to soil that carrots need, while carrots break up soil for pea roots
LettuceProvides living mulch and uses space efficiently while peas climb
RadishesQuick-growing radishes loosen soil and can be harvested before peas need full space
SpinachCool-season companion that benefits from nitrogen fixed by peas
ChivesNatural pest deterrent that repels aphids without competing for nutrients
MarigoldsAttract beneficial insects and deter harmful pests like aphids and thrips
MintRepels ants and rodents that may damage pea seeds and pods
NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting pollinators

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit pea growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
GarlicAllelopathic compounds can stunt pea growth and reduce pod production
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 Mr. Big?

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 Mr. Big suits these too.

Browse all 35 peas