Edna’s Russian pea
$4.00
(Lathyrus oleraceus syn. Pisum sativum)
A sugar pea (i.e. eat the whole pods).
Vines about 4’ tall are loaded with medium-sized pods about 3-4” long and ¾” wide. Pick when seeds are swelling but before they are at the shelling stage; a slightly more solid and filling pea than the true carouby types like Schwiezer Riesen. This variety produces a large flush of pods all at once which dry down well together, so I think it would be well suited for preserving (freezing, canning, drying) or could also be used as a dry pea, for those who like dual-purpose varieties.
Named for Edna Peters, who gave it to Mandy of Mandy’s Greenhouse in Tyndall, Manitoba. Brought to Canada from Russia by the Penner family in 1926, so Penner Family Sugar is also an acceptable name. The family names might be familiar for those into Russian Mennonite history in Canada.
In stock
Plant as soon as ground can be worked. Sow 1” deep and 2” apart, in a double row 8” wide. Trellis if necessary with twine or netting; can’t hang on to poles. Pick green shelling peas regularly to increase yields; pick dry peas when vines are drying down and seeds can no longer be dented with a fingernail. For fall planting, plant 6-8 weeks before first frost.