Origin
Pisum sativum, commonly called green pea, is a tiny round seed in a fruit pod. Each pod of peas contains peas that are either green or yellow. Pea pods are botanically referred to as fruit because they have seeds and develop from the ovary of a (pea) flower.
Green pea is an annual plant; they grow best in cooler, high-altitude, and tropical areas. The mean weight of peas is between 0.1 and 0.36 grams. Peas are mostly green, pod-shaped vegetables; some are golden yellow, while a few are purple. They are mostly grown in cooler seasons; hence they are known as cool-season crops.
Young peas are used as vegetables, fresh, frozen, or canned. The plant grows best at 55 to 64 °F (13 to 18 °C).
Nutrient Composition Of Green Pea
The nutritional values per 100g of green pea are:
- Energy 339 kJ (81 kcal)
- Carbohydrates 14.45g
- Sugars 5.67g
- Dietary fiber 5.1g
- Fat 0.4g
- Protein 5.42g
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 1.47mg
- Magnesium 33mg
- Manganese 0.41mg
- Phosphorus 108mg
- Potassium 244 mg
- Sodium 5mg
- Zinc 1.24mg
Preferred Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
Preferred Common Name: Green Pea
Medicinal Properties And Uses
- Green peas are high in fiber and protein, and they also have a low glycemic index, all of which help blood sugar regulation.
- Some properties in green peas may prevent and treat some chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Peas are high in fiber. Fibre aids digestive health and enhances smoother bowel regularity.
- Peas are a good source of iron. The leading cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron helps your body produce oxygen-carrying red blood cells, resulting in hemoglobin efficiency and also gives strength to the body.
- Carotene pigment lutein is present in peas. They lower the chances of cataracts and macular degeneration or loss of vision in old age. Peas are a good eyesight booster.
- Peas contain insoluble fibers that reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Peas also help stabilize blood sugar regulation in the body.
- Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin C; they boost the immune system and protect it from certain diseases.
How To Grow Green Pea
The following are detailed points on how to grow green peas.
Yield Information
Green pea annual legumes produce pods containing four to ten seeds. Most varieties of peas are ready to harvest 60 to 70 days after planting.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements
Green Peas can be planted in beds and carefully transplanted a few weeks after germination. Depending on the variety, peas will climb a fence or stakes between 2 and 8 feet tall once they have sprouted out. Ensure to prepare the stakes ahead of time, considering the growth rate of the variety.
Green peas do not tolerate waterlogged situations because their seed quickly rots. So, do not plant in wet areas where the roots will rot. If you must grow in wet areas, you should raise the beds 6 to 8 inches high to enable water drainage. Water sparsely unless the plants are wilting. During dry weather, water them occasionally.
Endeavour to weed the pea bed often and be careful when using weeding tools such as hoe so that you do not damage the plant roots because they are shallow-rooted. It is best recommended that you remove it with your hands to protect the fragile root.
Soil And Sun Requirements
Peas require a well-drained area where there is full sunlight. Peas can grow under partial shade, but the yield will be low, and they will not be tasteful as those grown under full sunlight. Before planting, till the soil and mix 2 to 3 inches of compost or manure to enrich the soil for optimum production.
Watering Requirements
Water deeply once a week. Ensure that the soil does not dry out; this can decrease pea production. A crucial time for watering is when the plants produce pods; if pods maturity occurs during hot weather, water daily to maintain good pod quality.
Planting And Spacing Requirements
For a rapid growth rate, soak peas overnight in water before planting. Plant seeds 2 inches apart and one inch deep or a little deeper if the soil quickly dries out. Row spacing is 12 to 24 inches apart.
Harvesting Of Green Peas
Peas mature quickly, so check daily once you see the flowers in bloom. Picking your peas properly will encourage the development of more pods. Pick peas when they are crispy in the morning after the dew has dried. Always use two hands when you pick peas.
Hold the vine with one hand while you pull the peas off with the other hand to avoid destroying the plant. Over mature peas have hard pods, or their color becomes dull.
Storage Method
Peas will last in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Peas that will not be used within a week should be frozen. Peas will become soft and brown when they are stored too cold and for too long.
Diseases And Pests Of Green Pea
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Aphids
These insects cause yellow leaves, distorted flowers/fruit; sticky “honeydew” (excrement produced by aphids); sooty, black mold that forms on honeydew; the large presence of ants on plants. Aphids control methods include growing plants to attract aphids away or repel them.
Plants like nasturtiums will attract them away, while basil, rosemary, and other scented solid plants will repel them.
Knock aphids off plants with water spray, apply insecticidal soap, put banana or orange peel around plants; add native plants to attract aphid predators.
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Fusarium Wilt
A fungus causes this. Plants wilt (sometimes on just one side) in the daytime; leaves turn yellow (lower ones first); later, the entire plant wilts/die; growth is stunted; stem cross-section reveals brown discoloration.
Control methods are:
- Destroy infected plants.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen in the soil.
- In acidic soils, raise pH to 7.0.
- Choose resistant varieties.
- Disinfect tools between use.
- Practice crop rotation.
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Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a Fungus. Symptoms include:
- Yellow, angular spots on upper leaf surfaces that turn brown.
- White/purple/gray cottony growth on leaf undersides only.
- Distorted leaves.
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Defoliation
Control methods are:
- Remove plant debris
- choose resistant varieties
- ensure good air circulation
- avoid overhead watering.
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Mexican Bean Beetles
This is an insect. Symptoms include lacey, skeletonized leaves, and dark holes on pods.
Control methods are:
Remove by hand; purchase and release beneficial wasp Pediobius foveolatus when beetle larvae are observed; destroy severely infested plants.
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Powdery Mildew
A fungus causes this. Symptoms typically include white spots on upper leaf surfaces expanding to flour-like coating over entire leaves; foliage may yellow/die; distortion/stunting of leaves/flowers.
Control methods include:
- Destroying infected leaves or planting resistant varieties
- Planting in full sun, if possible, ensuring good air circulation
- Spraying plants with 1 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 qt water
- Removing infected plant matter from the garden and destroying them (don’t compost).
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Root-knot Nematodes
Nematodes are an insect. Roots become “knotted” or galled; plants become stunted, yellow, and wilted.
Control methods include:
- Destroy affected plant matter (especially roots)
- choose resistant varieties; expose soil to the sun (solarize)
- add aged manure/compost; disinfect gardening tools between uses
- till the soil in autumn
- practice crop rotation.
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Wireworms
These are insects, and they affect newly planted plants. Symptoms include seed hollowing, seedling severity, stunting/wilting, and roots are eaten.
Control methods include
- Plant seeds in warm weather for rapid growth.
- Provide good drainage.
- At the end of the season, remove plant debris.
- Practice crop rotation.
- In situations of high infestation, set a trap by digging 2 to 4 inches deep holes every 3 to 10 feet, fill the hole with sprouting beans, corn, peas, or potatoes as bait, cover with soil or a board, and in one week, you uncover and kill them.
Conclusion
Green peas are truly a powerhouse of nutrients, providing a wide range of health advantages. Loaded with vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they contribute to enhancing immune function, vision, and skin appearance. Furthermore, due to their high fiber content, peas promote good digestion and aid in regulating blood sugar levels. Not to mention, their low-calorie nature makes them a wise pick for those looking to manage their weight.
The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds contributes to reduced inflammation and lowers the risk of chronic diseases. With a high protein content, green peas aid in muscle repair and maintenance. Including these versatile legumes in your diet can enhance overall well-being and contribute to a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.