Also known as Pea · 198 gardener saves
Pisum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Pisum, the genus most gardeners know as pea. We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Pisum varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGarden Pea
Pisum sativum
#2 most savedLittle Marvel Pea
Pisum sativum 'Little Marvel'
#3 most savedOregon Sugar Pod II Pea
Pisum sativum 'Oregon Sugarpod II'
Taichung Snow Pea
Pisum sativum 'Taichung'
Carouby de Mousanne Pea
Pisum sativum 'Carouby de Mousanne'
How to grow Pisum
What the Pisum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Pisum year
- PlantFebruary and March100% of varieties
Sow seeds directly into cool soil 4-6 weeks before last expected frost
- StakeFebruary–April100% of varieties
Install trellis, netting, or stakes at planting time for vining support
- HarvestApril–June100% of varieties
Pick pods regularly when plump to encourage continued production
- FertilizeMarch80% of varieties
Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen
- Check for PestsApril and May80% of varieties
Monitor for aphids and pea weevils on new growth
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Water consistently to maintain moist soil 💧
- Provide support with trellises or stakes 🌿
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Remove weeds around plants to reduce competition
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in shaded areas; peas need full sun ☀️
- Do not forget to support tall varieties
- Avoid neglecting pest control measures
What goes wrong with Pisum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Pea weevil | Chewed or damaged pods | Use crop rotation and remove plant debris |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and avoid overwatering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Pisum
Seed
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Maintain soil moisture for germination (7-14 days)
seeds
- Plant seeds directly into soil in early spring
- Soak seeds overnight to enhance germination
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks until seedlings emerge
Pisum questions
How many types of Pisum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Pisum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 198 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Pisum grow in?
Across its varieties, Pisum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pisum bloom?
Most Pisum varieties bloom in late spring, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pisum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Pisum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Pisum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
