pea (maincrop) 'Alderman'
pea ( maincrop pea ) or Pisum sativum 'Alderman'
A tall, heavy-cropping heirloom pea, which produces peas suitable for eating fresh or for drying and storage. The flowers are white and develop into pods containing up to 10 peas each. Enjoy as mature plump pods or as early mange-tout like beans earlier on, ‘Alderman’ is a sweet-tasting, dependable variety popular since the 1890s.
How to care for pea Alderman:
Grow peas in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot, supporting the plants with pea sticks or netting as they grow. Keep them well watered, especially during flowering and pod formation.
Regular picking encourages more pods to form. Harvest when the pods feel full but before they become tough—typically around 2–3 weeks after flowering.
Regular picking encourages more pods to form. Harvest when the pods feel full but before they become tough—typically around 2–3 weeks after flowering.
Growing instructions:
Grow peas in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot, supporting the plants with pea sticks or netting as they grow. Keep them well watered, especially during flowering and pod formation.
Regular picking encourages more pods to form. Harvest when the pods feel full but before they become tough—typically around 2–3 weeks after flowering.
Regular picking encourages more pods to form. Harvest when the pods feel full but before they become tough—typically around 2–3 weeks after flowering.
Make a broad flat-bottomed drill 5cm (2in) deep and 10cm (4in) wide and place the peas in a double row, Protect from mice and slugs. If growing in containers, sow about 10 seeds to a 35cm (14in) pot.
If support is needed, poke short twiggy peasticks in among the plants as they grow. Guttering is an ideal container for early sowings: make drainage holes, then fill with compost and sow in rows. Plant outside by sliding the complete row into the ground without disturbing the roots.
If support is needed, poke short twiggy peasticks in among the plants as they grow. Guttering is an ideal container for early sowings: make drainage holes, then fill with compost and sow in rows. Plant outside by sliding the complete row into the ground without disturbing the roots.
Eventual height:
2m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 300 seeds
£2.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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