The Alaskan pea, also known as “Earliest of All,” is a variety of pea that is well-regarded for its quick maturity. In just 55 days, you can expect this pea to go from seed to harvest, making it the earliest pea variety available. This is especially useful for gardeners who want to get a jump start on their pea harvest or live in areas with shorter growing seasons.
One of the great advantages of the Alaskan pea is its heavy yield. The plants produce an abundance of round, straight pods that are pale green in color. Each pod typically contains five to eight smooth peas, providing a bountiful harvest for your kitchen or pantry. This is particularly beneficial if you enjoy using peas in your cooking or if you plan on preserving them for later use.
While the Alaskan pea is known for its quick maturity, you also have the option to let the plants mature further for a different purpose. If you’re interested in using the peas for drying and making soup, you can allow the plants to continue growing for about 80 days. This will give the peas more time to develop and dry out, resulting in peas that are perfect for soups and stews.
In terms of care and cultivation, the Alaskan pea is relatively easy to grow. Like most peas, they prefer cool weather and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. It’s important to provide them with proper support, such as trellises or stakes, as they are vining plants that can grow quite tall. Regular watering and occasional fertilization will help ensure healthy growth and maximize your yield.
If you’re considering growing Alaskan peas, it’s important to plan your planting time based on the average last frost date in your area. Since these peas mature quickly, you want to make sure they have enough time to grow and produce before the hot summer weather arrives. Additionally, if you’re planning on drying the peas for soups, you’ll want to factor in the additional time needed for maturation.
In my personal experience, I’ve found the Alaskan pea to be a reliable and productive variety. The quick maturity is a definite advantage, especially when you’re eager to start harvesting fresh peas as early as possible. I’ve also enjoyed the option of letting some of the plants mature further to have a supply of dried peas for making hearty soups during the colder months.
To summarize, the Alaskan pea is a quick-maturing variety that can be harvested in just 55 days. It produces round, straight pods with five to eight smooth peas inside. If you prefer to use them for drying, you can let the plants mature for around 80 days. The heavy yields and ease of cultivation make this pea a great choice for any gardener looking to enjoy fresh peas early in the season or preserve them for later use.
