Peas
55-65days to harvest
8-12days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow 4-5 weeks before last frost for earliest harvest. Plant 1.5 inches deep. Provide 5-6 foot tall supports.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture for best pod fill
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with high organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
2-4 inches
Height
12-18 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Medium green pods with bright green peas
Size
3.5-4 inch pods with 7-9 peas each
Shape
Curved, plump pods with pointed ends
Flavour
Exceptionally sweet and tender with rich, concentrated pea flavor

In the kitchen

Fresh eating straight from garden, gourmet cooking, pea risottos, spring salads

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Pea aphids, pea moth, leafminer, slugs in wet conditions
Diseases
Powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, bacterial blight, ascochyta blight
Resistance
Moderate disease tolerance typical of heirloom varieties

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 fix nitrogen in soil which carrots utilize, while carrots help break up soil for pea roots
RadishesHelp break up compacted soil for pea root development and mature quickly before peas need full space
LettuceBenefits from nitrogen fixed by peas and provides living mulch to retain soil moisture
SpinachGrows well in the nitrogen-rich soil created by peas and has similar cool weather preferences
ChivesNatural pest deterrent that repels aphids and other insects harmful to peas
MintDeters ants and rodents that may damage pea plants and seeds
MarigoldsRepel aphids, thrips, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while deterring squash bugs

Avoid

OnionsCan inhibit pea growth and nitrogen fixation through root exudates
GarlicAllelopathic compounds can stunt pea growth and reduce pod production
GladiolusCompetes heavily for nutrients and water, potentially stunting pea development

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 Thomas Laxton?

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 Thomas Laxton suits these too.

Browse all 35 peas