Sugar Magnolia

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 6- to 7-foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet and cold early spring weather may affect germination so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 21/2 months before first expected fall frost.

HARVEST AND USE

For maximum sweetness and best texture, harvest when peas are plump, but not too fat. Savor their sweet crunch fresh from the garden as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, pull strings from pods and sauté in a little oil to preserve their striking color. Unique, edible hypertendrils secure this variety to any trellis. Purple color may vary based on temperature.

GROWING NOTES

Use netting or wire trellis to support these heavy-bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well-weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.