White Pea

COOL Season - Legume

SEEDING / GROWTH:

 

 

Dates: Frost seed in early spring or plant where plants become 6-8" tall before soil freezes.  (Roots are shallow and susceptible to heaving).

 

Rates:

         Precision:   26 lb/A

           Drilled:           50-80 lb/A, 1" to 1/2" deep

         Broadcast:   55-88 lb/A (with shallow incorporation)

          Aerial:             60-96 lb/A

 

Average seeds/lb: 1,800-4,000

Inoculate: Yes, pea or vetch inoculum

Emergence: 9 days

Height: 2"- 4'

 

Drought & Heat:  Low drought tolerance

                                      Low heat tolerance

 

Flooding:   Does not tolerate flooding or ponding

PROS:

• Rapid spring growth for weed control

• Pollinators

• Nitrogen production

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CONS:

 

• May not overwinter in northern regions without adequate snow cover

• Poor N scavenger

• Poor subsoiler

High N-fixers, winter peas produce abundant vining forage and contribute to short-term soil conditioning.  Succulent stems break down easily and are a quick source of available N.  Winter Peas grow rapidly in the cool, moist weather they encounter as winter annuals in the South. Austrian winter peas are top N producers, yeilding from 90 to 150 lb. N/A, and at times up to 300 lb. N/A.  Rapid spring growth helps peas out compete weeds and make a N contribution in time for summer cash crops in some areas.  The purple and white blossoms of winter peas are an early and extended source of nectar for honeybees.