Dwarf Gray Sugar Peas: A Sweet and Easy-to-Grow Treat
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-grow pea plant? Look no further than Dwarf Gray Sugar peas! These heirloom peas are known for their plump, tender pods and sweet flavor. They’re also heat and cold tolerant, making them a great choice for gardeners in a variety of climates.
Growing Dwarf Gray Sugar Peas
Dwarf Gray Sugar peas are bushy plants that grow to be about 2-3 feet tall. They have lovely purple blossoms and produce small pods that are filled with sweet, delicious peas. These peas can be eaten raw, steamed, or stir-fried. The reddish lavender flowers are also edible and can be used to add a pop of color to salads.
Planting Dwarf Gray Sugar Peas
Dwarf Gray Sugar peas prefer cool weather and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. You can also plant a later crop about two months before the last frost. Peas prefer fertile, well-drained soil. Sandy soils work best. Check your soil pH and adjust it to above 6.0 if necessary. Dig in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure a few days before planting. You can also work in a handful of general-purpose fertilizer.
To plant Dwarf Gray Sugar peas, direct sow the seeds into the prepared garden plot. Space the seeds 2-3 inches apart and cover them with about an inch of soil. Rows should be 16-18 inches apart. The peas will sprout in about a week.
Caring for Dwarf Gray Sugar Peas
Dwarf Gray Sugar peas are easy to care for. They require regular watering, especially when they are blooming. Water the plants early in the day or use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system so they have time to dry before dusk.
Dwarf Gray Sugar peas also benefit from a thin layer of mulch. Mulch helps to keep weeds in check and prevents the soil from becoming too dry.
A trellis is not absolutely necessary for Dwarf Gray Sugar peas, but it will keep the vines from sprawling on the ground and make the peas easier to pick.
Harvesting Dwarf Gray Sugar Peas
Dwarf Gray Sugar peas are ready to harvest about 70 days after planting. Pick the peas every few days, beginning when the pods begin to fill out. Don’t wait until the pods get too fat or they will lose their tenderness. If the peas grow too large for eating whole, you can remove the shells and eat them like regular garden peas.
Tips for Growing Dwarf Gray Sugar Peas
- Plant Dwarf Gray Sugar peas in well-drained soil.
- Water the plants regularly, especially when they are blooming.
- Mulch around the plants to help keep weeds in check and retain moisture.
- A trellis is not necessary, but it can make the peas easier to pick.
- Pick the peas every few days when the pods are full but still tender.
Conclusion
Dwarf Gray Sugar peas are a delicious and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. With their sweet flavor and adaptability to a variety of climates, these peas are sure to please even the most discerning palate.