Garden Organic for Schools - growing instructions for Pea 'Clarke's Beltony Blue'

Heritage Seed Library - Pea 'Clarke's Beltony Blue'

Variety Information

‘Clarke’s Beltony Blue’ is a wrinkled heirloom variety of pea and was donated by Mrs Anderson. It was grown on her great grandfather’s farm in Co. Tyrone since at least 1850 (but possibly as far back as 1815). This tall (around 160 cm) pea produces beautiful pale pink and rich maroon flowers followed by purple pods that develop green mottling when mature. Sweet and smooth flavour.

Growing instructions

Pea Pisum sativum

Sowing indoors

They can be sown inside in pots or modules under protection from March, harden off and transplant when they are around 5 cm tall.

Sowing outside

Peas do not germinate well in cold wet soils, so wait until the soil is warm in late spring, or sow under cloches. Sow directly in the ground at a depth of 2-5 cm, spaced 5 cm apart in wide drills. You may need to protect the seeds against rodents.

Looking after your peas as they grow

This tall variety needs to be supported on netting, strings or grown up a structure of canes. Water regularly in dry conditions from when flowers first open. Mulching will help to keep the soil moist.

Harvesting

Pick when the peas can be felt through the pod, before they get too large. This tall variety is sweet and stand for longer without losing their flavour. They also crop for longer if picked regularly.

Seed saving

To save seed, leave some pods on the plants to dry. Pea varieties do not readily cross-pollinate.

Glossary

Drills: Small groove/furrow for seeds.

Cross-pollinate: Process by which pollen is transferred from one variety of plant to another.

Pea 'Clarke's Beltony Blue'

This document was produced with support from the Food for Life Partnership



Garden Organic \| Schools project \| Contact \| Join	All content © HDRA Page last updated 23 May, 2008