An early-bearing variety of shelling pea, Burpee’s “Dark Seeded Early Perfection” (Pisum sativum “Dark Seeded Early Perfection”) peas are named in part for the dark green color of the beans you’ll discover inside each pod. According to the seed business, this “Dark Seeded Early Perfection” variety is particularly handy for the home gardener who enjoys high-producing pea vines for freezing and canning. Harvest them when the pods are brightly colored and nicely rounded.
Timing Tips
Like most peas, Burpee’s “Dark Seeded Early Perfection” peas are acceptable as both spring and autumn crops. The cool-weather vegetables grow best during periods in which the temperatures are rarely higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In Mediterranean climates, March is usually perfect for spring pea planting, and late August for autumn pea sowing. Burpee lists “Early Perfection” as a variety that matures within 65 days.
Pea Planting
Your pea patch will likely be most successful if it’s sited in full sun, in comparatively fertile soil that drains well. Burpee recommends sowing “Early Perfection” in double rows which are approximately 6 inches apart, with the seeds two inches apart in each row. The business also notes that the 30-inch pea vines grow best on a trellis system, so setting up a short trellis between the double row is best. If you are planting multiple double rows, allow two feet between each double row method. Either poke the individual seeds to a depth of 2 inches in well-tilled soil, or cover the seeds with 2 inches of finely sifted soil.
Growing Guidelines
Within about 2 weeks of sowing, “Early Perfection” pea plants will likely have emerged and will soon be ready for thinning. When they’re no taller than two inches, then remove each other seedling, so that the plants stand at least 4 inches apart from one another within their rows. Pinch the seedlings away with your hands. Because peas draw their own nitrogen from the air and “fix” it into the soil, the plants rarely require more than an excess side-dressing of compost approximately four weeks after sowing. Supply the pea patch extra water during dry periods, however, so that the soil remains evenly moist at all times and never allow the soil completely dry outside.
Pea Pointers
To prevent the sorts of diseases which may attack pea vines, including mosaic and mildew, site peas where other beans, including beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) haven’t grown before. Burpee additionally recommends removing the seeds using a special powdered inoculant before sowing. To inoculate the seed, sprinkle a few inoculant onto a paper plate or into a plastic bag and soften the pea seeds with water. Shake the moistened seed around in the plastic bag or roll them about on the paper plate, which makes sure the entire seed is covered. Plant immediately following inoculating. Ensuring you don’t overwater that the pea patch may also help. Keep the leaf dry once flowering begins or the production of peas can be reduced. If bird or insect pests are a issue, consider draping the pea trellises with particular netting or landscape fabric.
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