How to Grow Alaska Series Pea Wando
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Alaska Series Pea Wando
Pisum sativum var. sativum
vegetableAlaska Wando is an early-maturing garden pea variety known for its compact, bushy plants reaching 18-24 inches tall and its ability to produce sweet, tender peas even in cool spring conditions. The variety is exceptionally reliable and cold-hardy, making it ideal for early spring planting and fall harvests. It's a favorite among home gardeners for its consistent yields and excellent flavor.
When should you plant Alaska Series Pea Wando in your zone?
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Example Alaska Series Pea Wando timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alaska Series Pea Wando
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 Wando
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alaska Series Pea Wando 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 (spring and fall)
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeed germinates in 7-14 days in cool soil (40-70°F). First cotyledons emerge, followed by true leaves. Plants are small and delicate.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings only if overcrowded (spacing is 2 inches). No fertilizer needed at this stage.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop leafy stems and tendrils. Growth is rapid in cool weather. Plants reach 6-12 inches tall and develop a bushy form characteristic of the dwarf Wando type.
Install support stakes or a small trellis early; Wando grows bushy but benefits from light support. Monitor for pests. Water consistently.
Flowering
2-3 weeksWhite flowers appear along the stems, typically 3-5 weeks after planting. Flowers are small and clustered, indicating pod development is imminent.
Continue regular watering. Reduce nitrogen to encourage pod set rather than excessive foliage. Support plants if needed. Avoid overhead watering to prevent flower drop.
Pod Development & Fruiting
2-3 weeksPods form at flowering nodes, growing 2.5-3 inches long and plump with 6-8 peas per pod. Pods are tender and sweet when young, turning starchy if left too long.
Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production. Provide consistent moisture for tender, sweet peas. Stop fertilizing; excess nitrogen reduces flavor.
Harvest Maturity
7-14 days (varies with temperature)Pods are full, firm, and snap cleanly when bent. Peas inside are bright green, plump, and tender. Plants may begin declining as temperatures warm.
Harvest every 2-3 days for maximum sweetness and to promote more pod production. Use the 'snap and twist' method to avoid damaging the plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer
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Plant early to avoid peak weevil season; cover young plants with row cloth; remove and destroy affected pods; crop rotation
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate; plant in full sun; water at soil level
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Remove heavily infested leaves; use organic insecticidal soap; plant companion marigolds; encourage beneficial insects
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and
Remove debris where they hide; set beer traps; handpick in early morning; apply diatomaceous earth around plants
Uses
Fresh peas and shell cooking
CulinaryAlaska Wando peas are exceptionally sweet when freshly harvested and can be enjoyed raw, steamed, boiled, or added to spring salads. Their tender texture and natural sugar content make them ideal for simple preparations that highlight their delicate flavor. [source]
Freezing and preservation
CulinaryPeas freeze exceptionally well for later use. Blanch briefly in boiling water, cool in ice water, and freeze in airtight containers. Frozen Alaska peas maintain quality for up to 8 months and are superior to store-bought alternatives. [source]
Pea shoots and greens
CulinaryThe tender leafy shoots can be harvested and used fresh in salads or lightly sautéed as a delicious spring green, adding a sweet, pea-like flavor to dishes. [source]
Nutritional and health benefits
MedicinalFresh peas are rich in vitamins K and C, fiber, plant-based protein, and polyphenols with antioxidant properties. They support digestive health and provide sustained energy due to their balanced carbohydrate and protein content. [source]
Nitrogen fixation and soil enrichment
HouseholdLike all legumes, Alaska peas form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. After harvest, tilling in the plant residue enriches the soil with organic nitrogen for subsequent crops. [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 firm, plump, and bright green, before peas become starchy. Alaska Wando reaches harvest 55-65 days from planting. Harvest every 2-3 days at peak sweetness—early morning is best. Pods snap cleanly from the vine when properly mature. For shell peas, pick when pods are completely filled but still tender; for snow peas, pick when pods are flat and immature. Stop harvesting when plants slow production, usually as temperatures exceed 75°F. For fall crops, plant 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alaska peas were developed in the early 20th century and are named for their exceptional cold-hardiness and suitability for northern climates. The 'Wando' type is a dwarf, bushy cultivar that requires minimal support, making it perfect for small gardens.
- 🌱 Pea plants can be ready to harvest in as little as 55 days from direct seed—faster than most garden vegetables—making them ideal for quick, rewarding growing results.
- 🌱 The sweetness of peas increases in cool weather because the plants convert more starch to sugar for frost protection. This is why Alaska peas taste best when harvested on cool mornings or grown during spring and fall rather than summer.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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