About
A dwarf perennial climbing legume often grown as an annual, forming small white flowers in Summer followed by short, broad, green pods.
About the genus
A very small genus of annual, flowering plants from legume family. Native to SW Asia and NE Africa, species P. sativum is widely cultivated for food. Hollow. Climbing or trailing stems bear compound leaves and tendrils. Flowers are butterfly-shaped, 1-3 per stalk. The fruit is a pod
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesBedding displays, containers, gap filling.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in rich, well drained, neutral or alkaline soil in full sun. Dwarf cultivars can be supported with pea sticks or pea netting
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to pea moth, pea and bean weevil, birds and mice
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews