DOUCE PROVENCE
Widely available commercially, bred in France, hence the name Sweet Provence. Some believe it is a cross between two classic British varieties, Kelvedon Wonder and Meteor. Regardless of its national roots this is a great overwintering pea. Under cover it will grow to 1.2 metres. A good cropper of tasty peas in spring from an autumn sowing. If growing outside protect from winter rain!
HONEST ERLING’S FAMOUS EATING PEA
This maincrop pea that grows to about 1 metre was given to me by a passionate Danish grower named Ærling Frederiksen. He was given seed by his father who had come across them in Sweden over 40 years ago. Ærling insisted that his pea was the finest in the world and gave me some seeds to prove his point. They are delicious indeed and well worth growing.
Jaune de Madras mange-tout – one of the peas used by Mendel in his work on genetics 150 years ago this delicious and beautiful mange-tout would not be out of place in the flower border. Growing to 2metres it yields a heavy crop over a long period. One I grow most years. Bred in France by Vilmorin Andreu, it is held in The Utrecht gene bank. It is synonymous with a commercially available heritage variety called Golden Sweet.
RED SNOW PEA
This very lovely snow pea is the result of a participatory programme run by Arche Noah in Austria. The seed for this breeding line was given to me by Peter Lassnig. It shows some variability still but is well worth growing for its crunchy pods which are at their best when the peas within are half developed.
ROBINSON
This magnificent Pea has been held by the Heritage Seed Library for many years. Believed to be of Scottish origin it appears in some catalogues these days but whether they are from the original ‘Mr Robinson’ is a matter of conjecture. Heavy crops from tall vines yielding truly yummy peas.
WINTERKEFFE
This snow pea comes from Germany and is maintained by Pro Specie Rara in Switzerland. Very early: from an autumn sowing under cover I am able to pick the first pods at mange-tout stage in early April. They are in their prime from early may to late June. Heavy crops on vigorous vines that reach over 2 metres. Can be sown in early spring too or outside under a cloche in November and allowing to grow on in late February