Lincoln Shelling Pea

Lincoln Shelling Pea

The Lincoln Shelling Pea, also known as Homesteader, is a cherished English heirloom regarded by many as the sweetest shelling pea available. With a maturity of 67 days, this variety produces impressive yields and shows excellent heat tolerance, even from late plantings.

Key Features:

• Pod Size: 3–4 inches long
• Peas: Tender green peas unmatched for fresh eating
• Plant Height: Sturdy plants can reach up to 30 inches; best yields when staked

Growing Information:

• Soil Temperature for Germination: 45–75°F
• Seed Depth: 1–1.5 inches
• Seed Spacing: 1 inch
• Days to Emergence: 8–25 days
• Row Spacing: 18–24 inches
• Fertilizer Needs: Low
• Minimum Germination Rate: 80%
• Seeds per Ounce: Approximately 90–165
• Seed Life: 2 years

Peas are a nutritious crop, providing phytonutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. They improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, benefiting future crops. Particularly easy to grow in cool seasons, snap peas are sweetest when the pods are plump.

Cultural Practices:

• Peas thrive in various soil types as a hardy cool-season crop
• Side dress with 1 cup of complete fertilizer and ½ cup of bone meal per 10 row feet
• Trellis climbing varieties and support bush-type vines for better yields
• Monitor for environmental stress, which can reduce production
• Extend your harvest through multiple sowings

Direct Sowing:

• Sow as soon as the soil can be worked in spring
• For fall crops, sow in July
• In mild climates, consider overwintering

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Insects: Pea aphids; use pyrethrin if leaf scalloping is observed
• Common Diseases: Fusarium wilt, powdery and downy mildews, pea enation mosaic virus; use neem oil for control and practice crop rotation every 3–4 years to prevent diseases

Harvesting and Storage:

• Check for maturity when pods begin to swell
• Harvest frequently to encourage continuous production; overripe peas become starchy
• Store peas at 36°F with 95% humidity for best preservation