Types of Peas
Shelling Peas
Shelling peas grow in plump pods on upright vines. These peas are harvested when the pod is plump and the tiny peas inside are round and firm. They are shelled in eaten raw or cooked as a veggie.
Sugar Snap Peas
Like the snow pea, sugar snap peas produce edible pods but the pods are not wide and flat like the snow pea. Sugar snap peas look similar to shelling peas but must be harvested when the pod is young and tender.
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Snow Peas
Snow peas produce flat edible pods that are used in stir-fries and other vegetable dishes. Harvest snow peas before the peas begin to fill out inside the pod.
Snow peas and sugar snap peas are often confused. If you are buying seed in bulk at a local supplier, make sure you double check which type of edible pea pod they are selling. I have been sold snow peas instead of sugar snap peas on more than one occasion. Both are delicious, but I prefer the fuller pod of the sugar snap pea. |
Growing Habits of Peas
Tall Climbing PeasTall climbing peas are often referred to as telephone peas. They grow to heights of six feet or more and need a fence or trellis for support. As a rule, tall peas mature later than dwarf peas, but produce more pods.
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Dwarf PeasDwarf peas reach a height of two to three feet depending on the variety and do not require fences or trellises, but do benefit from some support. They produce earlier than tall peas, making them a good choice for early peas.
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