Favourite peas

[Penellype]

Thanks Penellype, were they nice? Purple podded stuff never really appealed to me, so I've never tried any.

Like most sugar snaps they need eating before the pod gets big and stringy, but when eaten small they were very nice. I decided not to grow them this year, not because I didn't like them but because I prefer ordinary peas and they are all ready at the same time.

The flowers are a pretty 2-tone purple:

[bario1]

I assume those aren't the first flowers to set? Did they crop over a long period? And do they stay purple when you cook them? Sorry for all the questions, I'll shut up now, not my thread!

[Thelma Sanders]

Sugar magnolia is a purple podded sugar snap which I grew last year. The plants grow to about 8ft tall.

I tried those and Spring blush, and although they are ok to eat as mangetout (flat pods) IMO they just weren't nice eaten as fat pods (sugar snaps). A real disappointment

[Penellype]

I assume those aren't the first flowers to set? Did they crop over a long period? And do they stay purple when you cook them? Sorry for all the questions, I'll shut up now, not my thread!

They were the first to set - I was beginning to wonder if they were ever going to flower! No, they go green when cooked, but you can eat them raw in salads.

They cropped for a while and would probably have gone on much longer but I stopped picking them due to a glut of peas.

[burnie]

I grew Ambassador last year, they were ok, these Hurst Greenshaft sound interesting, not that I will be buying any more seeds as I really don't need any more...……………………………….oh all right then maybe a few.

[Snoop Puss]

I stopped picking them due to a glut of peas.

Goodness, I didn't think such a thing was possible.

[sandfields]

Ok, thanks! Hurst Green shaft seem to have popularity.. Charles Dowding also recommends these so I think I'll try and give them a go..

I always associate Charles with Alderman, as in this video - https://youtu.be/vRVSNYTVLRs (at 3:23) good, tall, open source variety 5 - 6 foot. Good cropper over a long period.

[sandfields]

Interesting info on Alderman here https://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/vege...y-alderman.php

[annie8]

Interesting info on Alderman here https://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/vege...y-alderman.php

Really useful article. Am trying alderman this year for the first time along with borlotti beans as an experiment.

[jackarmy]

Really useful article. Am trying alderman this year for the first time along with borlotti beans as an experiment.

Something you will not regret

[Chippy Minton]

We had a favourite a couple of years ago - Balmoral. Came as part of a bumper pack. Never seen them since! Always grow Kelvedon Wonder now, autumn sown shoots about 2.5cm high now. Might try Hurst Green Shaft (although another vote for no more seeds )

[Penellype]

The thing to remember with peas is that if you have too many seeds and want to get rid of them, you can always grow them for pea shoots.

[Thelma Sanders]

The thing to remember with peas is that if you have too many seeds and want to get rid of them, you can always grow them for pea shoots.

Or - if they're self saved, soak and cook them, mmm mushy peas

[Jimmy]

Don't plan on cooking any.
Especially if any kids are helping to pick/pod them.
Jimmy

[Gillykat]

...mangetout (flat pods)....fat pods (sugar snaps)....

Aaah so THAT'S the difference I've only ever grown Hurst Greenshaft in the past so never knew the different types. This year, however, I'm going all adventurous and trying at least three or four different types