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Purple Top — Peas | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Purple Top
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

37days to harvest

10-14days to germinate

Z5–9USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow in early spring 4-6 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds overnight before planting 1-2 inches deep.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours)
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Rich, well-drained loam with good organic content
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Spacing: 4-6 inches
Height: 3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Purple-tinged green pods with purple flowers
Size: 8-10"
Shape: Flat, wide snow pea pods
Flavour: Sweet, tender, and delicate with subtle pea flavor

In the kitchen

Asian stir-fries, fresh eating, steaming, sautéing, decorative garnish

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Pea aphid, spider mites, pea leaf weevil, slugs
Diseases: Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, root rot, pea mosaic virus
Resistance: Limited disease resistance typical of heirlooms

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	May	July – August	—	August
2	April – May	June – July	—	August – September
3	April	June – July	—	July – September
4	March – April	June	—	July – September
5	March	May – June	—	July – September
6	March	May – June	—	June – August
7	February – March	April – May	—	June – August
8	February	April – May	—	May – July
9	January	March – April	—	April – June
10	January	February – March	—	April – June
11	January	January – February	—	March – May
12	January	January – February	—	March – May
13	January	January – February	—	March – May

Companion planting

16 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 6 to avoid.

CarrotsPeas fix nitrogen in soil that carrots utilize, while carrots don't compete for space

RadishesBreak up compacted soil for pea roots and mature quickly before peas need full space

LettuceBenefits from nitrogen fixed by peas and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

SpinachCool-season crop that thrives with pea-fixed nitrogen and similar growing conditions

MarigoldsRepel aphids and other pests that commonly attack pea plants

MintDeters ants and mice that may eat pea seeds and pods

CucumbersBenefit from nitrogen fixed by peas and can use pea trellises after harvest

ChivesRepel aphids and improve overall garden pest management

BasilRepels aphids and whiteflies, may improve flavor

MarigoldDeters nematodes and flea beetles that attack eggplant

PepperSimilar growing requirements and pest management needs

TomatoCompatible nightshade family member with similar care needs

OreganoRepels spider mites and provides ground cover

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles

BeansFix nitrogen in soil and don't compete for space

SpinachProvides living mulch and utilizes different soil depths

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit pea growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions

GladiolusCompetes heavily for nutrients and can harbor thrips that damage pea plants

GarlicMay stunt pea growth and interfere with beneficial root bacteria

FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that stunts nightshade family plants

GeraniumMay stunt eggplant growth and compete for nutrients

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 25
Protein (g): 0.98
Fat (g): 0.18
Carbohydrate (g): 5.88
Fibre (g): 3
Sugars (g): 3.53
Vitamin A (µg): 1
Vitamin C (mg): 2.2
Vitamin E (mg): 0.3
Vitamin K (µg): 3.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.084
Folate (µg): 22
Calcium (mg): 9
Iron (mg): 0.23
Magnesium (mg): 14
Phosphorus (mg): 24
Potassium (mg): 229
Zinc (mg): 0.16
Selenium (µg): 0.3

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

Purple Top

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Purple Top?

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