A split pea plant, also known as Pisum sativum, is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the legume family. It is commonly grown for its edible seeds, which are harvested and used in various culinary dishes. The plant itself has a distinct appearance, with different varieties exhibiting slight variations in size and growth habit.
The split pea plant can be either indeterminate or determinate. Indeterminate varieties are climbing plants that have long vines, typically ranging from 3 feet to 6 feet in length. These plants have slender stems that twine around supports, such as trellises or fences, to grow vertically. The leaves of indeterminate split pea plants are typically medium to dark green in color and are composed of several leaflets attached to a central stem.
On the other hand, determinate split pea plants are bush or dwarf varieties that grow in a more compact manner. They have a shorter and more bushy growth habit, with a maximum height of around 2 feet to 3 feet. The leaves of determinate varieties are similar to indeterminate ones, with a medium to dark green color and multiple leaflets.
Both types of split pea plants produce delicate and beautiful flowers. The flowers are typically white, pink, or purple in color, and they have a characteristic pea-like shape with a distinct sweet fragrance. These flowers are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves and do not necessarily require the assistance of insects or wind for pollination.
Once the flowers are pollinated, they develop into small pods that contain the split peas. These pods are elongated and cylindrical in shape, with a green color when young and maturing to a yellow or brown color as they ripen. Inside the pods, the split peas are nestled together, tightly packed and attached to the inner walls of the pod. The peas themselves are usually round or oval in shape, depending on the variety.
When the split peas are fully matured, the pods dry out and become brittle. At this point, they can be harvested and the peas can be removed by splitting open the pods. The split peas are then typically dried further to remove any remaining moisture before being used in cooking.
In terms of cultivation, split pea plants prefer cool weather and are often grown as a spring or fall crop. They thrive in well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. These plants also benefit from full sun exposure, although they can tolerate partial shade.
To summarize, a split pea plant is an annual herbaceous plant with either a climbing or bushy growth habit. It has medium to dark green leaves and produces delicate, sweet-scented flowers that develop into elongated pods containing the edible split peas. The plant is versatile and can be grown in various climates, making it a popular choice for home gardeners and farmers alike.
