How to Grow Alaska Series Pea Meteor
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Alaska Series Pea Meteor
Pisum sativum var. sativum
vegetableAlaska Meteor is an early-maturing garden pea variety from the Alaska Series, bred for dependable production of sweet, tender pods in cool-season climates. This dwarf variety reaches 18-24 inches tall and produces heavy yields of bright green peas ideal for fresh eating and freezing. It's a favorite for short-season gardeners and cold-climate regions due to its exceptional cold tolerance and quick maturity.
When should you plant Alaska Series Pea Meteor in your zone?
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Example Alaska Series Pea Meteor timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alaska Series Pea Meteor
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 Series Pea Meteor
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alaska Series Pea Meteor dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; excellent for cool-season gardening
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Germination & Emergence
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and first true leaves appear within 7-10 days. Plant appears delicate with cotyledons and developing primary leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent rot. Direct sow in cool soil (40-50°F); cold-hardy seeds won't rot like warm-season crops.
Seedling & Early Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops 3-4 sets of true leaves and begins establishing root system. Growth is compact and bushy at 3-5 inches tall.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing if needed. Install dwarf support stakes or light trellising now. Keep soil moist and watch for early pests like seed corn maggots.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant reaches full dwarf height of 18-24 inches with multiple stems and full leaf canopy. No flowers yet but plant is robust.
Maintain consistent moisture. Ensure supports are adequate for wind. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer that promotes leaf growth over flowering. Scout for aphids and spider mites.
Flowering & Pod Development
2-3 weeksWhite flowers appear in clusters along stems, followed by rapid pod development. Young pods are light green and tender.
Begin checking for mature pods regularly. Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars in peas. Pick pods frequently to encourage continued production. Hand-pollinate if bee activity is low.
Harvest & Maturity
2-4 weeks of harvestingPods reach full size (2.5-3.5 inches), become bright green, and peas inside are plump and sweet. Peak flavor and tenderness when pod snaps easily.
Harvest every 2-3 days for peak sweetness. Grasp vine gently while picking to avoid plant damage. Pick immature pods to encourage more flowering. Production slows as temperatures warm above 70°F.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; strong water spray to dislodge colonies
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Plant seeds at recommended depth; cover young plants with row cloth; store harvested peas in freezer to kill weevil larvae
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Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; apply miticides if severe; encourage predatory mites
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Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves
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Plant seeds in warm soil (above 60°F if possible); use row covers; avoid fresh manure near planting area; treat seeds with beneficial microbes
Uses
Fresh Pod & Pea Eating
CulinaryAlaska Meteor peas are sweet, tender, and ideal for eating fresh raw, steamed, or lightly sautéed. The compact pods make them perfect for snacking straight from the garden or adding to salads. [source]
Freezing & Preservation
CulinaryThe Alaska Series was specifically bred for commercial freezing operations. Harvest at peak maturity, blanch 2-3 minutes, then freeze for year-round storage with minimal texture loss. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalPeas are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Regular pea consumption supports digestive health and provides sustained energy. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Health
HouseholdPeas form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil, naturally enriching it for subsequent crops. Leave root systems in soil after harvest to benefit future plantings. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifePea flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. The plants also host beneficial insects that feed on garden pests. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick pods when they are plump, bright green, and snap easily between fingers—typically 60-65 days after planting. For fresh eating, harvest in the morning after dew dries for maximum sweetness. For freezing, harvest at peak maturity and blanch immediately. Pick regularly (every 2-3 days) to extend the harvest season and maintain pod tenderness. Stop harvesting when pods become tough and peas begin to starch up (wrinkled appearance). Plants typically produce for 2-4 weeks before heat slows flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Alaska Series was developed specifically for short-season climates and high-altitude growing, making it one of the hardiest garden pea varieties available. It can germinate in soil as cold as 40°F and survive light frosts.
- 🌱 Peas are one of the oldest domesticated crops, cultivated for over 11,000 years. Gregor Mendel used pea plants in his groundbreaking genetics experiments that founded modern heredity science.
- 🌱 The Alaska Meteor variety name references both its origin (Alaska) and its rapid, meteoric growth and maturity—perfect for gardeners racing against warm weather.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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