1. Culinary Uses:

• Purple peas can be enjoyed fresh off the vine as a garden snack.
• Add them to salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes for a pop of color.
• The peas can be shelled and cooked, used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
• Young pods can be eaten whole like snap peas, while mature peas can be shelled and cooked.

2. Ornamental Appeal:

• The vibrant purple pods and blossoms make purple peas a beautiful addition to edible landscapes.
• They can be grown along fences, trellises, or garden arches, adding height and color to the garden.

3. Companion Planting:

• Purple peas are legumes, which means they fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting nearby plants.
• Ideal companions include carrots, radishes, cucumbers, and lettuce, which thrive in nitrogen-rich soil.

Light:

• Require full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day.
• Can tolerate light shade, but this may reduce pod production.

Soil:

• Thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Avoid heavy, clay soils that retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot.
• Adding compost or aged manure before planting improves soil fertility and structure.

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
• Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Temperature & Climate:

• Purple peas prefer cool weather, with optimal temperatures between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C).
• They can tolerate light frost, making them one of the earliest crops to plant in the spring.
• Heat can cause peas to stop producing, so they are best grown in spring and fall in warmer climates.

Fertilization:

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as peas can fix their own nitrogen.
• If needed, use a balanced fertilizer with low nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium.
• Side-dress with compost mid-season to maintain soil nutrients.

1. Care:

• Provide a sturdy trellis or support system to keep the vines off the ground.
• Thin seedlings if needed to maintain airflow and prevent disease.
• Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and control weeds.

2. Harvesting:

• Harvest peas when pods are firm and fully colored, usually 60-70 days after planting.
• Pick regularly to encourage continuous production.

3. Storage:

• Store fresh peas in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Blanch and freeze peas for long-term storage, maintaining flavor and nutrients.

• Common Pests: Aphids, slugs, and pea weevils can damage leaves and pods.
• Preventive Measures: Use row covers, encourage beneficial insects, and remove debris.
• Disease Prevention: Avoid overwatering, ensure good air circulation, and rotate crops yearly.