How to Grow Alaska Pea
Alaska Pea
Pisum sativum 'Alaska'
vegetableAlaska is an early-maturing garden pea variety known for its compact growth habit and prolific production of small, tender pods. This cold-hardy pea is ideal for spring and fall growing, producing sweet peas suitable for fresh eating, freezing, or canning. It matures quickly, typically in 50-60 days, making it perfect for gardeners with shorter growing seasons.
When should you plant Alaska Pea in your zone?
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Example Alaska Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alaska Pea
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Alaska Pea
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alaska Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8; performs best in cool-season climates
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Get my Alaska Pea timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and seedlings emerge with their first true leaves visible above soil
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure cool soil temperatures (55-65°F) for best germination. Thin seedlings if overcrowded.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple stems, additional leaves, and a bushy, compact form (12-24 inches tall for Alaska)
Provide support structures like trellises or stakes if needed. Water regularly and ensure good air circulation. Apply mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Flowering
1-2 weeksSmall white or light purple flowers appear at leaf axils along the stems
Maintain consistent moisture during flowering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Pod Development & Filling
2-3 weeksFlowers are pollinated and small green pods begin to develop and swell with developing peas
Water consistently but allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to slow maturation and maintain sweetness.
Harvest Readiness
Variable; harvest window 1-2 weeksPods reach mature length (3-4 inches), feel full and crisp, and peas inside are visible through pod skin
Check pods daily once they reach mature size. Harvest in the morning when pods are crisp. Pick regularly to encourage continued production.
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants; harvest early; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract natural predators with flowering plants
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil if populations are high
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; use sulfur dust or baking soda spray; plant in full sun
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Remove infected plants immediately; control aphids with row covers or insecticides; use resistant varieties if available
Uses
Fresh Eating & Cooking
CulinaryAlaska peas are sweet and tender when harvested at peak ripeness, perfect for eating fresh from the pod, steaming, or adding to salads. They also freeze excellently for year-round use. [source]
Freezing & Preservation
CulinaryThese peas are ideal for blanching and freezing, retaining their sweet flavor and tender texture for several months. They're also suitable for canning. [source]
Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalPeas are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, fiber, and plant-based protein. They contain beneficial polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Garden Cover Crop
HouseholdLike all legumes, peas fix nitrogen from the air into the soil through symbiotic bacteria in their root nodules. After harvest, leaving roots in the ground enriches soil for future plantings. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifePea flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, making them valuable for supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when they reach 3-4 inches long and are still tender and crisp, before peas become too large and starchy. Pick in the morning when pods are coolest for best flavor and texture. Harvest frequently (every 2-3 days) to encourage continued flowering and production. For shelling peas, wait until pods are full but still bright green. For snow peas, harvest when pods are still flat and tender.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alaska peas were developed in the early 1880s and are one of the oldest commercial pea varieties still widely grown today, prized for their early maturity and reliability.
- 🌱 Peas were one of the plants Gregor Mendel used in his groundbreaking genetics experiments, and 'Alaska' itself has been important in pea breeding research.
- 🌱 A single pea plant can produce 20-30 pods over its growing season, and peas are one of the few vegetables that taste sweeter shortly after picking due to rapid conversion of sugars to starch.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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