Pea (Pisium sativum)
|
Easy to save
Family: Fabaceae
Pollination: Self fertile, perfect flowers Populatuion Size: Minium one, preferably ten or more Isolation: Easy. Separate varieties by 3-6m, time or physical barrier Cross pollination: Low risk (within species) by insects Processing: Dry method Viability: 3-5 years Peas are an ideal place to start seed saving as they are truly easy peasy. There are three groups of peas. Smooth-seeded peas
are starchier and hardier than wrinkled-seeded peas; edible-podded peas are more commonly known as sugar peas or mangetouts. GROWING FOR SEED SAVING |
Hot tip – Protect seeds and seedlings from birds, slugs, snails and other pests. Young seedlings are irresistible
|
The pods will appear after the flowers open and will develop over a few weeks to eating stage. About three weeks after the eating stage the pods will dry and the peas inside can be rattled (depends on variety). This indicates the seeds are mature and ready to harvest. Pick the pods and then shell out the peas. Dry further by spreading on a tray in an airy location. When dry the peas will split rather than crush and will be impossible to dent when pressed wit your fingernail.
STORING SEEDS
The seeds should be sorted and checked before being stored. Select large, well formed peas with no insect damage. If insect damage is present/suspected then freeze the dried pea seed for three days in a domestic freezer. As with most seeds the trick to long storage is cool, dry and dark. Ensure they are properly labelled and drop off at the seed library.
|
PEST ALERT – PEA WEEVIL
Currently the Wairarapa is on a pea lock down due to the imported pest Pea Weevil (Bruchus pisorum). It looks like they have it controlled but keep an eye out for this unwanted organisim. For more information check out the MPI website for more information. |
