Overwintering peas

[BeatTheSeasons]

In my Suttons catalogue is says that all smooth round pea seeds are hardy and can be overwintered, whereas all wrinkly seeds are more delicate.

But I was just in Homebase and all the pea seeds (Mr Fothergills) were marked as only for spring sowing, with no mention of overwintering.

So can you start peas off early in the autumn as you do with broad beans.... or not?

Does anybody have any experience of overwintering peas, and if so can you recommend a suitable variety?

Just did a search in the forum but couldn't find any threads on this.

[Two_Sheds]

Feltham First is a good one, but it's fairly short (which is actually a bonus because taller peas would get battered by winter gales)

[BeatTheSeasons]

Feltham First is a good one, but it's fairly short (which is actually a bonus because taller peas would get battered by winter gales)

Thanks, Two Sheds. Is Feltham First the same variety as the pea douce provence peas in your link but with a different name?

[Two_Sheds]

No, it isn't. Not sure what happened there.
Try this: Buy Feltham First Pea Seeds | Marshalls - Early Pea Seeds

[Fred Perry]

I'm trying Giesha for overwintering in a large plastic storage bin in greenhouse, filled with lotty compost mixed with Growmore multi perp. Last year Feltham First worked well. All the best to you and yours,
Fred p.

[nomis]

How long do we have to start growing them before winter is too cold for germination etc?

[BeatTheSeasons]

1st October I reckon.

[womble]

1st October I reckon.

2.47pm GMT

[gojiberry]

Any early season pea should overwinter but they usually do better with a little bit of protection from the worst of the elements. I always go for Feltham First but Early Onward would be OK.

Ian